BACKGROUND:Campylobacter fetus is a rare but serious pathogen, mainly affecting immunocompromised patients. Central nervous system infections, particularly meningitis, are uncommon; only one case has been reported after liver transplantation and none after splenectomy.
CASE PRESENTATION:We report meningitis and bacteremia caused by C. fetus subsp. fetus (Cff) in a 70-year-old man with liver transplantation and splenectomy for hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis, on long-term immunosuppression. He presented with intermittent fever; blood cultures grew C. fetus, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures confirmed it. Therapy was changed from cefmetazole to meropenem and vancomycin, then de-escalated to high-dose ampicillin. After 23 days of antibiotics, he fully recovered without sequelae.
LITERATURE REVIEW:The literature review included 36 adult cases identified through a PubMed search and our own case. Seventy-eight percent were male, with a median age of 49 years. Sixteen percent were immunocompromised, while 41 % were otherwise healthy. Exposure risks were reported in 43 %, though absent in 54 %. Of 38 isolates, 24 were subspeciated: Cff was most frequent (18/24, 75 %), followed by C. fetus subsp. intestinalis and venerealis (2 each), and single isolates of jejuni and Spirillum serpens. Relapse occurred in 22 %, and mortality was 5 %.
CONCLUSION:C. fetus meningitis is rare and diagnostically challenging but should be considered in immunocompromised patients, including those with post-transplantation or post-splenectomy status. Infection may occur even without clear exposure. Both blood and CSF cultures are essential, with blood cultures often positive earlier. Prompt diagnosis and targeted therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes, and long-term follow-up is recommended due to relapse risk.