The test for specific IgM antibodies against Campylobacter jejuni is no longer performed at Diagnostiki Athinon.
See the tests:
- Campylobacter jejuni, IgG Antibodies
- Campylobacter jejuni, IgA Antibodies
Specific IgM antibodies against Campylobacter jejuni are mainly used to investigate and monitor diseases such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and certain forms of reactive arthritis.
More information
The Campylobacter microbial genus comprises bacteria belonging to more than 20 species worldwide, with at least 12 species involved in human diseases. Campylobacter jejuni (found in cattle, pigs, and birds, where it is non-pathogenic) and Campylobacter coli (also found in cattle, pigs, and birds) are the most common. The most common forms of transmission are the fecal-oral route, with the consumption of contaminated food (poultry, dairy) or water, and non-cooked meat. Campylobacter infection causes an inflammatory syndrome, sometimes with bloody diarrhea or dysentery, cramping, fever, and abdominal pain. Infection is usually self-limiting; in most cases, symptomatic treatment with fluid and electrolyte administration is sufficient. Poorly cooked, infected poultry and poultry products (except eggs) are the primary sources of contamination.
The clinical manifestations of Campylobacter jejuni infection are acute enteritis with fever (38 - 40 °C), headache, myalgia, anorexia, and fatigue. The disease generally lasts from one day to one week. Normally, infections are self-limiting, but 5 to 10% of affected patients have relapses. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and reactive arthritis are some of the rare complications of Campylobacter jejuni infection.
Campylobacter jejuni infections are usually detected by isolating the pathogenic microorganism in fecal and blood samples. In recent years, the serological diagnosis of Campylobacter jejuni infections has evolved into an essential diagnostic process. Serious complications, such as reactive arthritis and Guillain-Barré syndrome, require reliable serological tests, as these conditions usually develop up to three weeks after infection with the microbe. In these cases, fecal cultivation is not appropriate, as it is generally during this time that the microbial isolation efforts are unsuccessful.
