A 5-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department because of abdominal pain and diarrhea. The symptoms began abruptly with high fever and cramping, periumbilical abdominal pain and were quickly followed by low-volume diarrhea mixed with blood and mucus. He lives with his family and they have cats and dogs at home. The patient attends daycare. His immunizations are up-to-date. His temperature is 38.0°C (100.4°F), pulse is 140/min, and blood pressure is 80/45 mm Hg. Physical examination reveals mild diffuse abdominal tenderness with no guarding or rebound tenderness. Bowel sounds are hyperactive. Stool occult blood testing is positive, and there are numerous leukocytes in the stool. Culture of the stool yields gram-negative, oxidase-positive, curved rods. Which of the following is the most likely pathogen responsible for this patient's symptoms?

Question

A 5-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department because of abdominal pain and diarrhea. The symptoms began abruptly with high fever and cramping, periumbilical abdominal pain and were quickly followed by low-volume diarrhea mixed with blood and mucus. He lives with his family and they have cats and dogs at home. The patient attends daycare. His immunizations are up-to-date. His temperature is 38.0°C (100.4°F), pulse is 140/min, and blood pressure is 80/45 mm Hg. Physical examination reveals mild diffuse abdominal tenderness with no guarding or rebound tenderness.  Bowel sounds are hyperactive.  Stool occult blood testing is positive, and there are numerous leukocytes in the stool.  Culture of the stool yields gram-negative, oxidase-positive, curved rods.  Which of the following is the most likely pathogen responsible for this patient's symptoms?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Campylobacter jejuni is an oxidase-positive, curved, gram-negative rod that is a leading cause of gastroenteritis.  The pathogen is a zoonotic organism most commonly contracted by consuming contaminated, undercooked poultry.  Cases are marked by fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea that may be bloody.

A 5-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Emergency Department Because