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Culture Methods to Determine the Limit of Detection and Survival in Transport Media of Campylobacter Jejuni in Human Fecal Specimens
08:23

Culture Methods to Determine the Limit of Detection and Survival in Transport Media of Campylobacter Jejuni in Human Fecal Specimens

Published on: March 10, 2020

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

S E Mshana1, M Joloba, A Kakooza

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala Uganda. mshana72@yahoo.com

African Health Sciences
|July 1, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Campylobacter bacteria were found in 9.3% of children with acute diarrhea in Kampala, Uganda. This highlights the prevalence of Campylobacter infections in this population and the need for further research.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Campylobacter infections are a global health concern, with broiler chickens identified as a potential source for human transmission.
  • Prevalence rates of Campylobacter in developing countries range from 5% to 35%.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of Campylobacter species in children experiencing acute diarrhea at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2005, involving 226 children with acute diarrhea.
  • Stool specimens were collected and cultured on selective media for Campylobacter isolation and identification using biochemical tests.
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the standard disc diffusion method.

Main Results:

  • Campylobacter species were isolated from 21 (9.3%) of the 226 stool specimens analyzed.
  • The predominant species identified were Campylobacter jejuni (80.9%), followed by Campylobacter lari (9.5%), Campylobacter coli (4.5%), and a mixed infection of Campylobacter jejuni/coli (4.5%).
  • All isolates were sensitive to erythromycin, while 20% exhibited intermediate resistance to ampicillin.

Conclusions:

  • Campylobacter species are prevalent among children presenting with acute diarrhea in Kampala, Uganda.
  • The findings suggest a significant burden of Campylobacter infection in this demographic.
  • A larger, multicenter study is recommended to fully ascertain the extent of Campylobacter infections in the region.
Abstract

Keywords:
Acute diarrheaCampylobacter sppPrevalence

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