Abstract
Background:
Campylobacter jejuni typically causes gastrointestinal illness but may lead to severe systemic infection in immunocompromised hosts. Resistance to macrolides, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines is increasingly reported.
Case Presentation:
A 27-year-old male with X-linked agammaglobulinemia developed recurrent right foot cellulitis after local trauma. Following application of a non-sterile herbal ointment and sheepskin, the lesion progressed, and the patient developed fever and chills. Blood cultures repeatedly yielded multidrug-resistant C. jejuni, while wound culture grew Citrobacter braakii. The C. jejuni isolates showed high MICs to macrolides, fluoroquinolones, and tetracycline. Given persistent bacteremia despite broad-spectrum therapy, meropenem was initiated, resulting in rapid defervescence and clinical improvement.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the potential for transdermal acquisition of C. jejuni in immunodeficient patients, the clinical challenges posed by multidrug-resistant strains, and the need for education regarding traditional practices that may increase infection risk.
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