First Case Report of Mycotic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Caused by Campylobacter fetus in Serbia

Abstract

Background: Due to its distinct vascular tropism, Campylobacter fetus is recognized as a significant cause of severe systemic infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals, while it is rarely reported as a cause of gastrointestinal infections.

Methods: A rare case of mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with Campylobacter fetus detected on the aneurysm wall itself was described.

Results: A 68-year-old male was admitted to the hospital due to severe abdominal pain. The patient was afebrile, hemodynamically stable with elevated C-reactive protein levels. A physical examination revealed a palpable, pulsatile, tender mass located in the periumbilical region. Ultrasonography and multi-slice computer tomography angiography (MSCTA) identified an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with a maximum diameter of 6.5 cm, showing suspicious signs of dissection. Aneurysmectomy with Dacron tube graft interposition was performed. Although the blood cultures remained negative, the culture of the aneurysmal wall grew Campylobacter fetus, enabling early diagnosis and targeted antibiotic therapy. The patient was treated with meropenem for two weeks, followed by amoxicillin-clavulanate for another two weeks after hospital discharge.

Conclusions: Campylobacter fetus associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms represents a life-threatening condition, posing a significant challenge in vascular surgery. Due to the lack of clear guidelines on antibiotic susceptibility testing and the treatment of infections associated with this pathogen, enhanced surveillance of Campylobacter fetus is necessary in both human and veterinary medicine.

Keywords: Campylobacter fetus; infection; meropenem; mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Figure 1

Computed tomography angiography showing an abdominal aortic aneurysm and a deposition of a high-density area of soft tissue on the front wall of the aorta (green arrow).