The burden of gastroenteritis in Switzerland (BUGS) study: a research proposal for a 1-year, prospective cohort study

Acute gastroenteritis (AG) is a usually self-limiting, but common disease worldwide. In Europe, incidence estimates range from 0.3-1.5 AG episodes/person-year. For Switzerland, available information on AG is restricted to notifiable foodborne diseases and findings from research studies starting at primary care level. The aims of this 1-year, population-based prospective cohort study are to assess the incidence, burden of disease, aetiology and socio-economic impact of AG in the Swiss general population. Additionally, the prevalence of bacterial gastrointestinal pathogens and bacteria harbouring antimicrobial resistances in the asymptomatic population shall be assessed.

Weekly follow-up of the cohort consisting of 3000 participants will provide incidence estimates of AG. Furthermore, information collected will be used to assess risk factors for experiencing an episode of AG, to explore determinants for help seeking, and to characterise the socio-economic impact of AG including absence from work and inability to perform daily activities. Aetiology of AG is determined by investigating stool samples from symptomatic participants. Finally, stool samples from participants collected during an asymptomatic period will be used to assess the prevalence of enterohaemorrhagic E. coli, Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. as well as of resistance to different antibiotics (extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-, fluoroquinolone- and carbapenemase-resistance).