[Campylobacter infections in children].

Campylobacter infections are essentially enteric infections frequently occurring before 15 years of age. The main species responsible for these infections is Campylobacter jejuni. The infection is observed mainly during summertime, and boys are more often affected than girls. The transmission is usually food-borne (poultry or cross-contamination of raw food). Environmental contamination is also possible. In addition to the digestive symptoms, systemic infectious complications or postinfectious complications (joints, neurological) can occur. The infection is more severe in immunosuppressed patients. Conventional diagnosis by culture is now challenged by molecular and immunoenzymatic methods, which have greater sensitivity. An adapted antimicrobial treatment improves the digestive symptoms. A dual antibiotic therapy is necessary in case of systemic infection or secondary localization of the infection.