Epidemiology of Campylobacter Gastroenteritis in New Zealand Children and the Effect of The Campylobacter Strategy: A 20-year Observational Study

Global epidemiology of campylobacteriosis and the impact of COVID-19

Campylobacteriosis is a gastroenteritis caused by pathogenic Campylobacter species and an important topic in public health. Here we review the global epidemiology of campylobacteriosis in the last eight years between 2014-2021, providing comprehensive and updated information on the reported incidence and outbreaks of Campylobacter infections. The government public health website of each of the 195 countries and publications from 2014 to September 2022 in public databases were searched. The reported incidence of campylobacteriosis in pre-COVID-19 years was compared to that during the COVID-19 pandemic in countries where data were available. Czech Republic had the highest reported incidence of campylobacteriosis worldwide (215 per 100,000 in 2019), followed by Australia (146.8 per 100,000 in 2016) and New Zealand (126.1 per 100,000 in 2019). Campylobacter was one of the most common human enteric pathogens in both developed and developing countries. About 90% of cases of campylobacteriosis were caused by Campylobacter jejuni, whereas less than 10% of cases were caused by Campylobacter coli. Other Campylobacter species were also isolated. The reported incidence and case numbers of campylobacteriosis in developed nations have remained steadily high prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst some countries reported an increasing trend such as France and Japan. While outbreaks were more frequently reported in some countries, Campylobacter infections were mainly sporadic cases in most of the developed countries. Campylobacter infection was more common in summer in some but not all countries. Campylobacter infection was more common in males than females. The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the reported incidence of campylobacteriosis in most countries where 2020 epidemiology data were available. In conclusion, Campylobacter infection remains a global health concern. Increased research and improved strategies are needed for prevention and reduction of Campylobacter infection.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and Campylobacter spp. among children with gastrointestinal disorders in Tehran, Iran

Co-infection of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and Campylobacter spp. are public health problem in both developing and developed countries. This study was conducted to determine prevalence of IPIs and Campylobacter spp. among children with gastrointestinal disorders in Tehran. In this descriptive cross-sectional survey, 283 fresh stool samples were collected from all individuals and examined by standard parasitological methods including direct slide smear, formalin-ether concentration, trichrome staining, modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining, and chromotrope 2R staining techniques were used for detection of intestinal protozoa and helminths. Furthermore, culture and multiplex-PCR were also used to identify the species of Campylobacter. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16. IPIs were detected microscopically in 22.26% of the total study population, with a higher prevalence in Giardia duodenalis (7.06%) and Blastocystis hominis (7.06%). Campylobacter were detected molecularly in 14.8% (95.2% of C. jejuni vs. 4.8% of C. coli) of the total study populations; of these, 3.5% had co-existence with IPIs colonized patients. Our results showed a relatively high prevalence of IPIs and Campylobacter in children with diarrhea. Further research is needed to better understand their co-infection and ensure future advances in clinical trials, testing, and development of therapeutic approaches for these pathogens.

A One Health approach to prevention, treatment, and control of campylobacteriosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review recent findings regarding the control and treatment of campylobacteriosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

The application of improved diagnostics has led to an upward shift in the attributable burden of Campylobacter infections, in both the United States and Europe as well as in resource-poor settings. Increased focus has brought a fundamental feature of campylobacteriosis -- the ability to cause relapsing disease back into focus, and expanding data on antimicrobial resistance has lead from a switch in first-line therapy for severe diarrhea from quinolones to azithromycin in most contexts, even as evidence of expanding macrolide resistance emerges.

SUMMARY

Campylobacter spp. infection is a common infection worldwide. Antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter spp. has become an emerging threat with the increase in industrial poultry production, as well as the broad use of antibiotics in both animals and humans.