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A one-year study of enteric Campylobacter infections in Singapore
Insights
Campylobacter infections, primarily Campylobacter jejuni, were found in 1.2% of diarrhoeal patients in Singapore, predominantly affecting young children. A high resistance to erythromycin was noted in these Campylobacter isolates.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Diarrhoea is a common cause of illness, especially in children.
- Campylobacter species are significant bacterial pathogens causing enteritis worldwide.
- Surveillance of bacterial infections is crucial for public health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of Campylobacter infections in inpatients with diarrhoea in Singapore.
- To identify the main Campylobacter species involved and their antimicrobial resistance patterns.
- To understand the seasonality of Campylobacter enteritis.
Main Methods:
- Stool samples from 7344 inpatients with diarrhoea were cultured for bacterial pathogens.
- Campylobacter isolates were identified to species level.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed, with a focus on erythromycin resistance.
Main Results:
- Campylobacter species were isolated from 1.2% of diarrhoeal stools.
- The majority (70.3%) of the 91 Campylobacter isolates were from children under 5 years old.
- Campylobacter jejuni (89%) and C. coli (10.9%) were the predominant species, with high erythromycin resistance observed.
- Concomitant Salmonella or Shigella infections occurred in 8 patients.
- Campylobacter enteritis showed year-round occurrence, peaking in September.
Conclusions:
- Campylobacter infections are an important cause of diarrhoea in young children in Singapore.
- High erythromycin resistance in Campylobacter isolates necessitates careful treatment strategies.
- Ongoing surveillance is vital for monitoring trends in bacterial gastroenteritis and antimicrobial resistance.
Abstract:
A total of 7344 inpatients with diarrhoea were investigated for Campylobacter infections in Singapore over one year. Campylobacter species were recovered from 1.2% of diarrhoeal stools; 70.3% of the 91 campylobacters were from children under 5 years of age. Further identification of these isolates showed that 89% were Campylobacter jejuni and 10.9% were C. coli, and a high level of resistance to erythromycin was observed among them. Concomitant isolation of Salmonella species or Shigella species was achieved in eight of the Campylobacter-infected patients. Campylobacter enteritis occurred throughout the year, with the highest isolation rate being recorded in September.