Campylobacter enteritis in Portugal: epidemiological features and biological markers
Related Experiment Videos
Abstract:
From 1984 to 1989, stool samples from 2811 gastroenteritis cases were examined for the presence of Campylobacter jejuni and C. Coli, Salmonella, Shigella and Yersinia species. Isolation rates were: Campylobacter jejuni and C. Coli, 5.3%, Salmonella spp., 14.8%, Shigella spp., 4.6% and Yersinia enterocolitica, 1.1%. Age group distribution analysis shows a higher Campylobacter isolation rate in children under one year of age. Seasonal distribution revealed a peak incidence in winter as in other Mediterranean countries. Predominant biotypes were C. jejuni I (51%), C. jejuni II (21.5%) and C. coli I (18.8%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing did not reveal resistance to erythromycin. Thirty of the strains harboured plasmids with 7 different profiles.
Insights
This study investigated bacterial causes of gastroenteritis in children, finding Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli were common. Campylobacter infections peaked in winter, particularly in infants under one year old.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Gastroenteritis remains a significant public health concern globally.
- Bacterial pathogens like Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia are common causes of gastroenteritis.
- Understanding the epidemiology and characteristics of these pathogens is crucial for effective control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of bacterial enteric pathogens in gastroenteritis cases.
- To analyze the age and seasonal distribution of Campylobacter infections.
- To assess the antimicrobial susceptibility and plasmid profiles of isolated bacterial strains.
Main Methods:
- Stool samples from 2811 gastroenteritis cases were analyzed between 1984 and 1989.
- Standard microbiological techniques were used for the isolation and identification of Campylobacter jejuni/coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia species.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and plasmid profiling were performed on isolated strains.
Main Results:
- Isolation rates were: Campylobacter jejuni/coli (5.3%), Salmonella spp. (14.8%), Shigella spp. (4.6%), and Yersinia enterocolitica (1.1%).
- Campylobacter isolation was highest in children under one year of age, with a winter incidence peak.
- Predominant Campylobacter biotypes were C. jejuni I (51%), C. jejuni II (21.5%), and C. coli I (18.8%). No erythromycin resistance was observed, and 30 strains harbored plasmids.
Conclusions:
- Campylobacter species are significant bacterial pathogens causing gastroenteritis, especially in young children.
- The observed seasonal pattern of Campylobacter infections aligns with other Mediterranean regions.
- The lack of erythromycin resistance and the presence of plasmids warrant further investigation into pathogen virulence and transmission dynamics.