Long-term colonization of Campylobacter jejuni within a human host: evolution, antimicrobial resistance and clinical implications

Campylobacteriosis is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract as a result of Campylobacter. Most campylobacteriosis cases are acute and self-limiting, with symptoms and Campylobacter excretion ceasing after a few weeks. However, we recently identified an individual who has been excreting Campylobacter for ten years. Genomic and antibiotic susceptibility testing suggests that the patient was continuously colonized with Campylobacter and that the Campylobacter developed resistance to several antibiotics the patient was taking. Our results demonstrate how molecular techniques can be used to give insight into a patient's condition and the effect of antimicrobial treatment on long-term Campylobacter colonization.