Campylobacter Research Articles

Foodborne Pathogen Campylobacter

Campylobacter is the most common bacterial cause of human gastroenteritis in the world, with the species Campylobacter jejuni being responsible for over 80% of Campylobacter infections [...].

Lactic acid bacteria that activate immune gene expression in Caenorhabditis elegans can antagonise Campylobacter jejuni infection in nematodes, chickens and mice

BackgroundCampylobacter jejuni is the major micro-bacillary pathogen responsible for human coloenteritis. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been shown to protect against Campylobacter infection. However, LAB with a good ability to inhibit the growth of C. jejuni in vitro are less effective in animals and animal models, and have the disadvantages of high cost, a long cycle, cumbersome operation and insignificant immune response indicators. Caenorhabditis elegans is increasingly used to screen probiotics for their anti-pathogenic properties. However, no research on the use of C. elegans to screen for probiotic candidates antagonistic to C. jejuni has been conducted to date.ResultsThis study established a lifespan model of C. elegans, enabling the preselection of LAB to counter C. jejuni infection. A potential protective mechanism of LAB was identified. Some distinct LAB species offered a high level of protection to C. elegans against C. jejuni. The LAB strains with a high protection rate reduced the load of C. jejuni in C. elegans. The transcription of antibacterial peptide genes, MAPK and Daf-16 signalling pathway-related genes was elevated using the LAB isolates with a high protection rate. The reliability of the lifespan model of C. elegans was verified using mice and chickens infected with C. jejuni.ConclusionsThe results showed that different LAB had different abilities to protect C. elegans against C. jejuni. C. elegans provides a reliable model for researchers to screen for LAB that are antagonistic to C. jejuni on a large scale.

Whole genome sequencing data used for surveillance of Campylobacter infections: detection of a large continuous outbreak, Denmark, 2019.

Background Campylobacter is one of the most frequent causes of bacterial gastroenteritis. Campylobacter outbreaks are rarely reported, which could be a reflection of a surveillance without routine molecular typing. We have previously shown that numerous small outbreak-like clusters can be detected when whole genome sequencing (WGS) data of clinical Campylobacter isolates was applied.AimTyping-based surveillance of Campylobacter infections was initiated in 2019 to enable detection of large clusters of clinical isolates and to match them to concurrent retail chicken isolates in order to react on ongoing outbreaks.MethodsWe performed WGS continuously on isolates from cases (n = 701) and chicken meat (n = 164) throughout 2019. Core genome multilocus sequence typing was used to detect clusters of clinical isolates and match them to isolates from chicken meat.ResultsSeventy-two clusters were detected, 58 small clusters (2–4 cases) and 14 large clusters (5–91 cases). One third of the clinical isolates matched isolates from chicken meat. One large cluster persisted throughout the whole year and represented 12% of all studied Campylobacter cases. This cluster type was detected in several chicken samples and was traced back to one slaughterhouse, where interventions were implemented to control the outbreak.ConclusionOur WGS-based surveillance has contributed to an improved understanding of the dynamics of the occurrence of Campylobacter strains in chicken meat and the correlation to clusters of human cases.

Seasonal Associations Between Foodborne Campylobacter Infections and Ambient Temperature in US, 2010–2019

Abstract Objectives In order to effectively mitigate the effects of climate change on human health, spatiotemporal relationships between Campylobacter infections and environmental drivers have to be systematically examined to determine whether common seasonal summer peaks observed in Campylobacter infections are well aligned with peaks in raising ambient temperatures. This study aims to evaluate the seasonal relationship between monthly ambient temperature and the monthly Campylobacter infections routinely collected by the CDC Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) in the United States in 2010–2019. Methods We created time series of monthly Campylobacter infection rates from the FoodNet Fast platform for ten participating states from January 2010 to December 2019 (120 months). We estimated average monthly temperatures for the ten states for the study period using the National Climate and Data Center's Global Summary of the Day database. To assess the seasonal synchronization and determine the lag effect, we used serial cross-correlation analysis. To examine the associations between Campylobacter rates with ambient temperature and adjust for seasonality and trend, we applied a harmonic negative binomial mixed-effects regression model. We also estimated peak timing and amplitude for infections and temperature using the δ-method. Results Serial synchronization between monthly Campylobacter infection rates and ambient temperature was observed in all FoodNet Surveillance states except for California. A one-month delay in peak infection after the peak in temperature was detected in Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, and Oregon. After adjusting for seasonality and trend across ten states, the relative risk of infection rates increased by 5% with the increase in monthly average temperature by 5.45°C equivalent to a shift from 75th to 95th percentile (95%CI: 1.02–1.09, p < 0.002). Conclusions An increase in monthly average temperature is associated with an increased risk of Campylobacter infection after adjusting for common summer seasonal patterns. Knowledge of the relationship will potentially improve the reliability and accuracy of integrated early warning outbreak forecasts and could guide climate mitigation strategies. Funding Sources None.

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and successful treatment of hospitalised patients with extensively drug-resistant Campylobacter jejuni infections linked to a pet store puppy outbreak

ObjectivesMost patients with Campylobacter infection do not require antibiotics; however, they are indicated in severe cases. Clinical breakpoints for many antibiotics are not yet established by the CLSI, making antibiotic selection for resistant infections challenging. During an outbreak of pet store puppy-associated XDR Campylobacter jejuni infections resistant to seven antibiotic classes, several patients required antibiotics. This study aimed to determine MICs of the outbreak strain for various antibiotics and describes the successful treatment of two patients using imipenem/cilastatin, a drug not traditionally used for Campylobacter infections. MethodsWe used whole-genome multilocus sequence typing (wgMLST) to determine the genetic relatedness of Campylobacter isolates collected from two human patients’ stool samples with the outbreak strain. We performed extended antimicrobial susceptibility testing on 14 outbreak isolates and 6 control strains to determine MICs for 30 antibiotics (14 classes). ResultsIsolates from both patients were highly related to the outbreak strain by wgMLST. MICs indicated resistance of the outbreak strain to most antibiotic classes, except phenicols, glycylcyclines and carbapenems. Due to potential side effects of phenicols and safety issues precluding use of glycylcyclines such as tigecycline when alternatives agents are available, we used carbapenems to treat patients who were severely ill from the outbreak strain infections. ConclusionStewardship and clinical vigilance are warranted when deciding whether and how to treat patients with suspected C. jejuni diarrhoea with antibiotics. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for XDR Campylobacter when patients fail to improve and consider the use of carbapenems in such settings.

Prescribing Antimicrobial Drugs for Acute Gastroenteritis, Primary Care, Australia, 2013-2018.

Abstract During 2013–2018, antimicrobial drugs were prescribed for 6.8% of cases of acute gastroenteritis encountered in general practice in Australia, including 35.7% of Salmonella infections and 54.1% of Campylobacter infections. During that time, prescriptions for acute gastroenteritis decreased by 2.0%. Managing infectious gastroenteritis in general practice will require greater antimicrobial stewardship.

POS-695 INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION COMPLICATING CAMPYLOBATER COLI ENTERITIS IN RENAL TRASNPLANTATION PATIENT

A 30 year old male, with cadaveric renal transplantation 2 years ago , his primary disease was anti-GBM disease diagnosed one year prior to transplantation and treated with 14 sessions of plasma exchange, steroids and cyclophosphamide shortly after that he was initiated on hemodialysis followed by renal transplantation. Two months post renal transplantation his course was complicated by biopsy proven mixed rejection (T-Cell mediated rejection type IA) and active Antibody medicated rejection , however ,C4d negative. The patient received pulsed steroids, 3 sessions Plasma-exchange and IVIG 2g/kg. He completed 2 doses of Rituximab and his serum creatinine was stable at 200-220 micromole/L. The patient was admitted after 3 weeks with persistent vomiting and abdominal pain and abdominal distention, his serum creatinine 304 micromole/L, abdominal x-ray showed multiple air fluid levels with dilatation of small bowel loops. CT scan with oral contrast showed multiple dilated small bowel loops down to the terminal ileum with caliber of 3.5 mm with multiple air-fluid levels and fecal loading in distal ileum loop with collapsed colon. The contrast media reached into the small bowel in left mid abdomen at mid jejunal loop. Stool culture grew campylobacter coli, BK PCR was positive of 371,000 copies. Other infectious causes of diarrhea were excluded. The patient completed 7 days of ciprofloxacin and treated with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) . His mycophenolic acid was stopped, and he was maintained on dual immunosuppression therapy in form of tacrolimus and steroids. The patient was booked for upper endoscopy and colonoscopy in outpatient setting. View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT) Diarrhea is a common symptom in renal transplant patient population. The main causes of diarrhea after transplantation include infections, immunosuppressive drugs, antibiotics, and other drugs. Viral causes of diarrhea are the most frequently reported and usually last up to 3 days. Patients have tendency to develop Clostridium difficile after antibiotics. Other enteric bacteria responsible for diarrhea are Shigella, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhimurium and Campylobacter. CMV can cause enterocolitis, with or without fever, gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, and toxic megacolon are possible complications. Incidence of diarrhea with mycophenolate mofetil dose of 2 g/day was higher than in other immunosuppressants like azathioprine. Campylobacter infection has prominent features like terminal ileitis, cecitis and mesenteric adenitis. Proton pump inhibitors are main risk factor for campylobacter enteritis as it lowers the gastric juice acidity allowing for pathogen survival. Campylobacter was detected in stool culture of a 31-year-old male patient diagnosed with immunoproliferative small intestinal disease (IPSID) and it was positive in tissue biopsy samples. Antibiotics treatment is enough to eradicate campylobacter and reduce the risk of IPSID. Diarrhea is a common symptom post renal transplantation, Campylobacter coli can be one of the main causes of ileocecal enteritis and may cause small bowel obstruction, treatment is usually conservative with antibiotics.

Sexual Contact as Risk Factor for Campylobacter Infection, Denmark

Campylobacteriosis is a disease of worldwide importance, but aspects of its transmission dynamics, particularly risk factors, are still poorly understood. We used data from a matched case-control study of 4,269 men who have sex with men (MSM) and 26,215 controls, combined with national surveillance data on Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and Shigella spp., to calculate matched odds ratios (mORs) for infection among MSM and controls. MSM had higher odds of Campylobacter (mOR 14, 95% CI 10–21) and Shigella (mOR 74, 95% CI 27–203) infections, but not Salmonella (mOR 0.2, 95% CI 0–13), and were less likely than controls to have acquired Campylobacter infection abroad (χ2 = 21; p<0.001). Our results confirm that sexual contact is a risk factor for campylobacteriosis and also suggest explanations for unique features of Campylobacter epidemiology. These findings provide a baseline for updating infection risk guidelines to the general population.

Detection of enteric bacteria in two groundwater sources and associated microbial health risks.

The microbial quality of two groundwater sources (well and borehole) and associated risks were quantitatively assessed. Water samples from the selected borehole and well were collected over a period of 12 weeks (n = 48). The concentrations of Escherichia coli, faecal coliforms, Salmonella, Shigella, Clostridium, Bifidobacterium and Campylobacter were determined using standard microbiological methods, which involve the use of a membrane filter technique. The water samples were filtered through a 0.45 μm membrane filter using vacuum pump pressure and plated on selective agar for the bacteria under test. The number of colonies of the bacterial growth observed after the incubation period was counted and recorded. The physicochemical properties of the water were determined using standard methods. The risk of Salmonella, Shigella, Clostridium and Campylobacter infections resulting from the ingestion of water from the borehole and well was estimated. The results showed that the levels of enteric bacteria in the borehole were higher than those in the well. The mean levels of E. coli in water from the borehole and well were 3.3 and 1.7 log10 cfu/100 ml, respectively, and exhibited a negative relationship with salinity (r = -0.53). The estimated risks of infection associated with the pathogens in water from the borehole and well were greater than the acceptable risk limit of 10-4 and followed this order Clostridium < Salmonella < Campylobacter < Shigella. The findings of this study suggest recent and continuous faecal contamination of the two groundwater sources, thus exposing the residents relying on the water for drinking to potential risks of gastrointestinal infections.

Clinicopathological changes associated with Campylobacter jejuni inecftion in broilers

The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Campylobacter (C) and its clinicopathological changes in broilers in Sharkia province, About 50 diarrheic broilers cloacal swabs were collected for bacteriological examination. Out 50 exami-ned swabs 12 (24%) were positive for Campylobacter [C. coli 4 and C. jejuni 8]. Isolated Campylobacter was sensitive to neomycin and genta-ycin. About 45 healthy one day-old broilers were received 5 mg pefloxacin/kg bwt for 5 days for proved that broilers free from bacterial infections. At 14th day of age broilers were divided into 3 groups (15/ each). 1st group healthy broilers non treated (control), broilers in 2nd and 3rd groups were infected with C. jejuni. 2nd group infected non treated and 3rd group infected, treated with 15 mg neomycin/kg B.wt. in drinking water for 5 days. At 1st, 7th and14th day post treatment cloacal swabs were collected for re-isolation C. jejuni beside blood samples were collected for hematochemical study. Infected broilers showed of food, depression, ruffled feather, diarrhea and mortality rate 40% beside significant decrease in body performance, total protein albumin, globulin coupled with insignificant elevation in RBCs, HB, PCV%, significant elevation in WBCs, AST, ALT, ALP, urea and creatinine. Treatment infected broi-lers by neomycin lead to disappear clinical sing, reduced mortality and improved hematobiochemical parameters. It could be concluded that Campylobact-er infection induces reversible adverse effect on body performance and hematobioc- al parameters. Neomycin is highly curative against campylobacters

Functional and Structural Characterization of the UDP-Glucose Dehydrogenase Involved in Capsular Polysaccharide Biosynthesis from Campylobacter jejuni.

Campylobacter jejuni is a pathogenic organism that can cause campylobacteriosis in children and adults. Most commonly, campylobacter infection is brought on by consumption of raw or undercooked poultry, unsanitary drinking water, or pet feces. Surrounding the C. jejuni bacterium is a coat of sugar molecules known as the capsular polysaccharide (CPS). The capsular polysaccharide can be very diverse among the different strains of C. jejuni, and this diversity is considered important for evading the host immune system. Modifications to the CPS of C. jejuni NCTC 11168 include O-methylation, phosphoramidylation, and amidation of glucuronate with either serinol or ethanolamine. The enzymes responsible for amidation of glucuronate are currently unknown. In this study, Cj1441, an enzyme expressed from the CPS biosynthetic gene cluster in C. jejuni NCTC 11168, was shown to catalyze the oxidation of UDP-α-d-glucose into UDP-α-d-glucuronic acid with NAD+ as the cofactor. No amide products were found in an attempt to determine whether the putative thioester intermediate formed during the oxidation of UDP-glucose by Cj1441 could be captured in the presence of added amines. The three-dimensional crystal structure of Cj1441 was determined in the presence of NAD+ and UDP-glucose bound in the active site of the enzyme (Protein Data Bank entry 7KWS). A more thorough bioinformatic analysis of the CPS gene cluster suggests that the amidation activity is localized to the t-terminal half of Cj1438, a bifunctional enzyme that is currently annotated as a sugar transferase.

Isolation, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli from cattle, goat, and chicken meats in Mekelle, Ethiopia.

Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are globally recognized as a major cause of bacterial foodborne gastroenteritis. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2015 to May 2016 in Mekelle city to isolate, identify, and estimate the prevalence of C. jejuni and C. coli in raw meat samples and to determine their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. A total of 384 raw meat samples were randomly collected from bovine (n = 210), goat (n = 108), and chicken (n = 66), and isolation and identification of Campylobacter spp. were performed using standard bacteriological techniques and PCR. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using disc diffusion method. Of the total 384 raw meat samples, 64 (16.67%) were found positive for Campylobacter spp. The highest prevalence of Campylobacter spp. was found in chicken meat (43.93%) followed by bovine meat (11.90%) and goat meat (9.25%). The most prevalent Campylobacter spp. isolated from meat samples was C. jejuni (81.25%). The overall prevalence of Campylobacter in restaurants, butcher shops, and abattoir was 43.93%, 18.30%, and 9.30%, respectively. 96.8%, 81.25%, 75%, and 71% of the Campylobacter spp. isolates were sensitive to norfloxacin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, and sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim, respectively. However, 96.9%, 85.9%, and 50% of the isolates were resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin, and streptomycin, respectively. Strains that developed multi-drug resistant were 68.7%. The result of this study revealed the occurrence of Campylobacter in bovine, goat, and chicken meats. Hence, there is a chance of acquiring infection via consumption of raw or undercooked meat. Thus, implementation of hygienic practices from a slaughterhouse to the retailers, proper handling and cooking of foods of meat are very important in preventing Campylobacter infection.

Infections and systemic inflammation are associated with lower plasma concentration of insulin-like growth factor I among Malawian children

ABSTRACTBackgroundInsulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is the most important hormonal promoter of linear growth in infants and young children.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to compare plasma IGF-I concentration in a low- compared with a high-income country and characterize biological pathways leading to reduced IGF-I concentration in children in a low-income setting.MethodsWe analyzed plasma IGF-I concentration from 716 Malawian and 80 Finnish children at 6–36 mo of age. In the Malawian children, we studied the association between IGF-I concentration and their environmental exposures; nutritional status; systemic and intestinal inflammation; malaria parasitemia and viral, bacterial, and parasitic enteric infections; as well as growth at 18 mo of age. We then conducted a pathway analysis to identify direct and indirect associations between these predictors and IGF-I concentration.ResultsThe mean IGF-I concentrations were similar in Malawi and Finland among 6-mo-old infants. At age 18 mo, the mean ± SD concentration was almost double among the Finns compared with the Malawians [24.2 ± 11.3 compared with 12.5 ± 7.7 ng/mL, age- and sex-adjusted difference in mean (95% CI): 11.8 (9.9, 13.7) ng/mL; P < 0.01]. Among 18-mo-old Malawians, plasma IGF-I concentration was inversely associated with systemic inflammation, malaria parasitemia, and intestinal Shigella, Campylobacter, and enterovirus infection and positively associated with the children's weight-for-length z score (WLZ), female sex, maternal height, mother's education, and dry season. Seasonally, mean plasma IGF-I concentration was highest in June and July and lowest in December and January, coinciding with changes in children's length gain and preceded by ∼2 mo by the changes in their WLZ.ConclusionsThe mean plasma IGF-I concentrations are similar in Malawi and Finland among 6-mo-old infants. Thereafter, mean concentrations rise markedly in Finland but not in Malawi. Systemic inflammation and clinically nonapparent infections are strongly associated with lower plasma IGF-I concentrations in Malawi through direct and indirect pathways.

CAMPYLOBACTER AS A MAJOR FOODBORNE PATHOGEN: A REVIEW OF ITS CHARACTERISTICS, PATHOGENESIS, ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND CONTROL

Campylobacter, mainly Campylobacter jejuni is viewed as one of the most well-known reasons of foodborne bacterial diarrheal sickness in people around the globe. The genus Campylobacter contains 39 species (spp.) and 16 sub spp. Campylobacter is microaerophilic, Gram negative, spiral-shaped rod with characteristic cork screw motility. It is colonizing the digestive system of numerous wild and household animals and birds, particularly chickens. Intestinal colonization brings about transporter/carrier healthy animals. Consequently, the utilization of contaminated meat, especially chicken meat is the primary source of campylobacteriosis in humans and chickens are responsible for an expected 80% of human campylobacter infection. Interestingly, in contrast with the most recent published reviews that cover specific aspects of campylobacter/campylobacteriosis, this review targets the taxonomy, biological characteristics, identification and habitat of Campylobacter spp. Moreover, it discusses the pathogenesis, resistance to antimicrobial agents and public health significance of Campylobacter spp. Finally, it focuses on the phytochemicals as intervention strategies used to reduce Campylobacter spp.in poultry production.

Clinical Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Population Attributable Fraction for Campylobacteriosis in a Nicaraguan Birth Cohort.

Campylobacteriosis is an important contributor to the global burden of acute gastroenteritis (AGE). In Nicaragua, the burden, risk factors, and species diversity for infant campylobacteriosis are unknown. Between June 2017 and December 2018, we enrolled 444 infants from León, Nicaragua, in a population-based birth cohort, conducting weekly household AGE surveillance. First, we described clinical characteristics of symptomatic Campylobacter infections, and then compared clinical characteristics between Campylobacter jejuni/coli and non-jejuni/coli infections. Next, we conducted a nested case-control analysis to examine campylobacteriosis risk factors. Finally, we estimated the population attributable fraction of campylobacteriosis among infants experiencing AGE. Of 296 AGE episodes in the first year of life, Campylobacter was detected in 59 (20%), 39 were C. jejuni/coli, and 20 were non-jejuni/coli species, including the first report of Campylobacter vulpis infection in humans. Acute gastroenteritis symptoms associated with C. jejuni/coli lasted longer than those attributed to other Campylobacter species. In a conditional logistic regression model, chickens in the home (odds ratio [OR]: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.4-9.8), a prior AGE episode (OR: 3.3; 95% CI: 1.4-7.8), and poverty (OR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2-0.9) were independently associated with campylobacteriosis. Comparing 90 infants experiencing AGE with 90 healthy controls, 22.4% (95% CI: 11.2-32.1) of AGE episodes in the first year of life could be attributed to Campylobacter infection. Campylobacter infections contribute substantially to infant AGE in León, Nicaragua, with non-jejuni/coli species frequently detected. Reducing contact with poultry in the home and interventions to prevent all-cause AGE may reduce campylobacteriosis in this setting.

Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in diarrhoea samples from patients in New South Wales, Australia.

Campylobacteriosis is a leading cause of bacterial foodborne disease in many industrialized countries including Australia. New South Wales (NSW) is the most populous state in Australia yet the lack of any Campylobacter species surveillance programs has led to a knowledge gap in the importance of these pathogens as causes of diarrhoea. The data collected in this study demonstrated a need for such programs. In this study, 400 human clinical fecal samples were collected from two NSW locations, Western Sydney and Wagga Wagga, and tested for the presence of Campylobacter spp. Patients were clustered by location, age and gender to assess Campylobacter spp. prevalence within these groups between the two regions. The frequency of Campylobacter spp. was higher in males compared to females in the age groups 0-4 and 5-14 years; 6.4% and 1.0%, and 8.2% and none, respectively. A second peak was noted in elderly adults compared with those in younger age groups. Based on the findings of the quantitative PCR analysis it was estimated that the age-adjusted prevalence of Campylobacter spp. associated diarrhoea was 159 cases per 100,000 persons. [Int Microbiol 2016; 19(1):33-37].

Determinants of Eimeria and Campylobacter infection dynamics in UK domestic sheep: the role of co-infection.

Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria species is a well-recognized disease of livestock. Enteric Eimeria infections are common, but disease usually only manifests when infection intensity is abnormally high. Campylobacter species are important zoonotic enteric bacterial pathogens for which livestock are important reservoir hosts. The diversity and epidemiology of ovine Eimeria and Campylobacter infections on two farms in north-western England were explored through a 24-month survey of shedding in sheep feces. Most animals were infected with at least one of 10 different Eimeria species, among which E. bakuensis and E. ovinoidalis were most common. An animal's age and the season of sampling were associated with the probability and intensity of Eimeria infection. Season of sampling was also associated with the probability of Campylobacter infection. Interestingly, higher intensities of Eimeria infections were significantly more common in animals not co-infected with Campylobacter. We explored the determinants of E. bakuensis and E. ovinoidalis infections, observing that being infected with either significantly increased the likelihood of infection with the other. The prevalence of E. ovinoidalis infections was significantly lower in sheep infected with Campylobacter. Recognition that co-infectors shape the dynamics of parasite infection is relevant to the design of effective infection control programmes.

Bacterial Gastroenteritis and the Risk of Biliary Tract Cancer: A Population-Based Study

Background: Salmonella has shown to have oncogenic transformative effects and thereby increase the risk of certain cancers. For Campylobacter, no comparable effects have been demonstrated. Risk factor identification may allow for timely diagnosis and preventive treatment. To substantiate the oncogenic potential of Salmonella, this epidemiological study compared the incidence of extrahepatic biliary tract cancer (ehBTC) in patients with diagnosed Salmonella or Campylobacter infection with the ehBTC incidence in the general population. Methods: National infectious diseases surveillance records for patients aged ≥20 years when diagnosed with Salmonella or Campylobacter infection during 1999-2016 in the Netherlands were linked to the Netherlands Cancer Registry. All infections were clinically severe infections confirmed by laboratory testing. Incidence of ehBTC in Salmonella and Campylobacter patients ≥1 year post-infection was compared to the incidence of ehBTC in the Dutch general population using Standardized Incidence Ratios (SIRs). Results: 16.252 patients were diagnosed with Salmonella and 27.668 with Campylobacter infection. Of those, nine developed ehBTC at a median of 46 months (range 13-67) after Salmonella infection and seven at median 60 months (range 18-138) after Campylobacter infection. Compared to the general population, the SIR of ehBTC in Salmonella patients was 1.53 (95%CI 0.70-2.91). In patients aged < 60 years, SIR was 1.74 (95%CI 0.36-5.04). For Campylobacter patients, SIR was 0.97 (95%CI 0.39-2.00). Conclusion: Although statistical significance was not reached, there was a tendency towards increased occurrence of ehBTC among salmonellosis patients, but not among campylobacteriosis patients. Further research is necessary to uncover putative oncogenic transformative effects of other enteropathogens.Tabled 1PB06-05: Incidence of biliary tract cancer in patients ≥1 year after confirmed infection with Salmonella or Campylobacter, stratified by age and genderObserved incidenceExpected incidenceSIR95% CIP-valueSalmonella, all patients95.881.530.70-2.910.28020-6031.741.720.36-5.040.507Male52.6651.880.61-4.380.264Female43.291.220.33-3.110.835Campylo-bacter, all patients77.220.970.39-2.000.86820-6022.130.940.11-3.400.715Male34.030.750.15-2.180.857Female42.231.240.34-3.170.810 Open table in a new tab

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Campylobacter&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Infection in Diarrheal Patients in Busia County, Kenya

Introduction: Campylobacter are zoonotic bacteria that cause gastroenteritis worldwide with the species, Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli commonly associated with human diarrhea. Transmission is mainly through direct contact with farm animals, consumption of chicken and contaminated water. There is paucity of data on the epidemiology of Campylobacter in developing countries despite its global widespread and expansion of poultry farming; hence there is the need to explore and build on the available data. This study aimed at determining prevalence and homestead risk practices associated with Campylobacter infection in diarrheal patients in Busia County. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February, 2017 to April, 2019. Stool samples were collected from patients of all ages attending Busia County referral Hospital and structured questionnaires on homestead associated risk practices administered. Isolation and identification of Campylobacter species was performed using standard culture method on Modified Charcoal Cefoperazone Deoxycholate medium and confirmed by mPCR. Factors associated with Campylobacter infection were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 132 (11.6%) Campylobacter comprising 89.2% C. jejuni and 10.8% C. coli were isolated from 1200 diarrhoegenic patients sampled. Isolation rate was higher in children aged 5 years (9.4%). Multilevel logistic models showed that homestead poultry farming was a significant risk associated with Campylobacter infection in 5 years (OR 10.05; 95% CI: 2.60 - 24.29, P Campylobacter infection while those who lived in urban areas (OR 0.47, 95% CI: 0.20 - 0.82, P = 0.041) were protected. Contact with infected diarrheal person from the same household (OR 4.72, 95% CI: 2.10 - 10.52, P = 0.006) and consumption of raw milk (OR 7.14, 95% CI: 1.96 - 18.24, P = 0.001) posed risk among those aged > 5 years respectively. Conclusion: Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of Campylobacter infections in diarrheal patients. Personal hygiene awareness of mothers/caregivers and proper animal husbandry especially where livestock-human interaction is common are important practices which require the County government support. Further studies are required on sex specific age difference, other social economic factors, domestic animals and the role played by the environment in the transmission of Campylobacter infection. These would advance knowledge and understanding on source attribution and transmission dynamics for effective control and management of the infection.

Prevalence, Laboratory Findings and Clinical Characteristics of Campylobacteriosis Agents among Hospitalized Children with Acute Gastroenteritis in Lebanon.

Purpose Campylobacter species are currently the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis. In Lebanon, Campylobacter infection occurrence is underdiagnosed owing to the lack of specific culture and rapid test kits, particularly among children. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, laboratory findings, and clinical characteristics of Campylobacter infection in hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis in South Lebanon.MethodsWe conducted a 6-month retrospective cohort study between January and June 2018, including 291 children aged between 1 month and 12 years, who were admitted to a tertiary healthcare center in South Lebanon. The medical files of the patients were reviewed to retrieve the required clinical information, including clinical and laboratory data.ResultsThe prevalence of campylobacteriosis agents in pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis is 12.02%. Patients infected with Campylobacter had more severe acute gastroenteritis than Campylobacter-negative patients and often presented with high-grade fever, diarrhea episodes more than six times per day, diarrhea lasting for more than five days, and dehydration. Indeed, children with high-grade fever (≥38.5°C) were five times more likely to test positive for Campylobacter than those with low-grade fever. In addition, the results showed a higher Vesikari score for the majority of Campylobacter-positive patients with severe acute gastroenteritis compared to a moderate profile for Campylobacter-negative patients.ConclusionThe present study findings highlight that Campylobacter infection is frequent among children with acute gastroenteritis. Therefore, the detection of Campylobacter should be carried out for the diagnosis of human gastroenteritis in Lebanon, along with the detection of routine enteropathogens.