Campylobacteriosis in the South Bohemian Region - a Recurrent Problem

Campylobacteriosis is among the most frequently reported foodborne diseases in both the Czech Republic (CR) and South Bohemian Region (SBR). Campylobacteriosis has been a notifiable disease in the CR since 1984. The objective of this study is the analysis of the data reported to the surveillance system between 2005 and 2014 to describe the seasonal variation, age specific incidence, and route of transmission of campylobacteriosis in the South Bohemian Region.

The data reported to the surveillance system EPIDAT from 2005 to 2014 were analysed in order to determine the incidence trends and seasonality, age distribution, and route of transmission of campylobacteriosis in the South Bohemian Region.

Campylobacteriosis incidence in the South Bohemian Region follows the same annual pattern as in the Czech Republic. There is a very slight declining trend in the incidence over the study period. A strong seasonal variation was observed, with a late summer peak and a winter low. An exception to the regularity of the incidence pattern was an outbreak notified in 2010. The most affected age groups are children 1 to 5 years and newborns (0 age group). In the other age groups, the incidence has a declining tendency. The most common vehicles for the transmission of campylobacteriosis are chicken and meat products while other vehicles and routes of transmission have been reported exceptionally.

Only one third of cases have been notified along with the suspected route of transmission. The most common route of transmission is through the consumption of contaminated chicken and meat, including smoked meat products. Therefore, the measures targeting consumers and also producers of poultry, meat, and unpasteurized milk products may contribute to the reduction of campylobacteriosis incidence.