IgM seroconversion to Campylobacter jejuni in the first two years of life of children with gastrointestinal symptoms

Abstract

Campylobacter is the most common bacteria isolated when sampling food and it is considered to be the most common cause of acute diarrhoea in people of all ages. In most countries, there are only data related to sporadic cases of Campylobacter infection, which is manifested by acute diarrhoea. The aim of this paper is to establish the existence of exposure to Campylobacter jejuni by serological analysis in healthy children under 2 years of age, who have previously had gastrointestinal symptoms. The examined group consisted of 77 healthy children under two years of age, who had had a history record of the existence of gastrointestinal symptoms prior to testing. Campylobacter concentration of IgM in serum was determined by ELISA method. Out of 77 children under the age of two, the existence of serum IgM antibodies to Campylobacter jejuni was confirmed in 32 children (42%), while the borderline result was found in 11 children (14%). Seroconversion occurs during the first year of life, and all children in the second year of life were IgM seropositive for Campylobacter jejuni. In the histories of seropositive children the most common symptoms had the form of heavy cramps in 48%. Considering the high incidence and variability of symptoms, the acquisition of Campylobacter jejuni is a major public health problem and there is a need to establish precise epidemiological data primarily in order to develop acquisition control of Campylobacter jejuni.