Population-based comparative study of campylobacter and salmonella enteritis in South Australia.

A total of 658 cases of campylobacter enteritis was reported in South Australia in the 18 months from March, 1980. Although Campylobacter sp. may cause more gastrointestinal disease than Salmonella sp. during some time periods, our data suggest that the reverse applies over all. However, since campylobacter enteritis tends to affect older persons who possibly are investigated less frequently, the relative prevalence of campylobacter infection may have been understated. Both diseases are notified among preschoolers to a disproportionate extent; however, Campylobacter sp. show a greater predisposition that Salmonella sp. for affecting teenagers and young adults. Persons with campylobacter infection are more likely to be residents of metropolitan areas than their counterparts with salmonella enteritis. Virtually all persons with campylobacter infection experience some diarrhoea; three-quarters have abdominal pain; approximately one-third report blood, and a similar proportion mucus in their stools. Children are more likely than adults to have mucus, and possibly blood, in their stools.