A Campylobacter enteritis outbreak in a military base in Israel

An outbreak of gastroenteritis due to Campylobacter jejuni occurred during a 2-day period in June 1982 in a military base in Israel. Of 22 patients with acute gastroenteritis examined at the unit's medical clinic, 17 were available for complete clinical evaluation. Stool cultures were taken from them as well as from 23 asymptomatic soldiers including food handlers. In 6 of the 17 patients with enteritis (35%) Campylobacter jejuni serotype 11 was isolated, while the stool cultures of all the asymptomatic soldiers were negative. A temporary food handler was the most probable source of the infection. He had suffered from symptoms of acute gastroenteritis prior to the outbreak but had not reported them, and was found to harbor the same Campylobacter serotype as the other patients.