Purpose: Campylobacter spp. are a common cause of acute enteric infections. In immunocompromised or elderly patients, they can lead to extraintestinal infections, including bacteremia. The clinical significance of Campylobacter bacteremia is not fully understood. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on Campylobacter spp. bacteremia, including studies published up to June 2024. Results: Twenty-five retrospective observational studies, published between 1978 and 2024, were included. The studies involved a total of 2480 patients, with a mean age range across studies from 1 to 70 years; 62.45% were male. The pooled prevalence of Campylobacter species was: C. jejuni 60% 95% CI 0.45–0.73, C. coli 8% 95% CI 0.04–0.13, C. fetus 7% 95% CI 0.03–0.15, and other species 9% 95% CI 0.04–0.16. Mortality was the primary outcome in 22 studies, with a pooled case-fatality risk of 5% 95% CI 0.03–0.09. Univariate meta-regression showed higher mortality associated with C. fetus (β = 3.217, 95% CI 0.632–5.802, p = 0.017), immunocompromised status (β = 2.749, 95% CI 0.316–5.184, p = 0.029), and chronic liver disease (β = 5.072, 95% CI 0.424–9.720, p = 0.034). Regarding complications, secondary localizations (e.g., endovascular infections) showed a pooled prevalence of 9% 95% CI: 0.04–0.18; relapses, 3% 95% CI 0.02–0.04; endocarditis, 2% 95% CI 0.01–0.03; and persistent bacteremia, 1% 95% CI 0.001–0.27. Conclusion: Campylobacter spp. bacteremia shows a considerable risk of mortality and complications.
Zerbato et al. (Mon,) studied this question.