Campylobacter spp among children with acute diarrhea attending Mulago hospital in Kampala--Uganda

Afr Health Sci. 2009 Sep;9(3):201-5.

Abstract

Background: Campylobacter infections occur worldwide. A recent study in Kampala, Uganda, found that 87% of broiler chickens had Campylobacter jejuni; these are potential source of human infection. Isolation rate in developing countries is between 5-35%. This study aimed at finding prevalence of children with campylobacter infection among children with acute diarrhea attending Mulago hospital.

Objective: The objective was to establish the proportion of children infected with Campylobacter spp among children with acute diarrhea at Mulago hospital.

Methods: A crossectional study from July to October 2005 was conducted involved 226 children with acute diarrhea. Serial sampling was done a total of 226 stool specimens were obtained and cultured on selective media. Identification was done using biochemical test and susceptibility using standard discs diffusion method.

Results: Campylobacter spp were isolated in 21 (9.3%) of 226 stool specimens analyzed. Campylobacter jejuni 17 (80.9%), Campylobacter lari 2 (9.5%), Campylobacter coli 1 (4.5%) and Campylobacter jejuni/coli 1(4.5%). All Campylobacter isolates were sensitive to erythromycin, and 20% had intermediate resistance to Ampicillin.

Conclusion: Campylobacter spp are prevalent among children with acute diarrhea in Kampala- Uganda. A large multicenter study should be undertaken so that the extent of campylobacter infection in our setting can be established.

Keywords: Acute diarrhea; Campylobacter spp; Prevalence.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Age Distribution
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Campylobacter / drug effects
  • Campylobacter / isolation & purification*
  • Campylobacter Infections / diagnosis
  • Campylobacter Infections / drug therapy
  • Campylobacter Infections / epidemiology*
  • Campylobacter Infections / microbiology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diarrhea / epidemiology
  • Diarrhea / microbiology*
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial
  • Feces / microbiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Prevalence
  • Uganda / epidemiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents