Volume 10, Number 1—January 2004 Domestically Acquired
Campylobacter Infections in Finland Campylobacter jejuni
isolates (n = 533) from domestic cases diagnosed in Finland
during a 3-month peak period were studied. The highest rate was
observed among those 70–74 years of age. Domestic C. jejuni
isolates were especially frequent in the eastern districts. Six
serotypes covered 61% of all C. jejuni isolates. In developed
countries, campylobacters are the most common culture-confirmed
bacterial causes of gastroenteritis (1,2). The most common
species identified in patients is Campylobacter jejuni. Since
1998, campylobacters also have been the most common bacterial
enteropathogens detected in Finnish patients. A similar
increasing trend has been recognized in many other European
countries, such as Sweden, Denmark, and the United Kingdom
(3–5). The epidemiology and modes of transmission are not well
known, but risk factors for acquiring Campylobacter infection
include handling or eating chicken, barbecuing, drinkin