Related Experiment Videos
Age related susceptibility to Campylobacter jejuni infection in a high prevalance population
Insights
Campylobacter jejuni infections are common in young South African children, with susceptibility changing after 9 months of age. Breastfeeding did not prevent C. jejuni colonization in this study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Diarrhea is a significant health issue in children under two years of age.
- Campylobacter jejuni is a common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and susceptibility patterns of Campylobacter jejuni infections in infants and young children in Soweto, South Africa.
- To explore the clinical presentation and risk factors, including breastfeeding, associated with Campylobacter enteritis.
Main Methods:
- A year-long prospective study involving children under two years of age with diarrhea and age-matched controls.
- Stool samples were analyzed for the isolation of Campylobacter jejuni.
- Data on clinical symptoms and breastfeeding status were collected.
Main Results:
- Campylobacter jejuni was isolated in 18/60 (30%) of infants under 9 months with diarrhea, versus 4/60 (6.7%) of controls.
- In children over 9 months, C. jejuni was found in 16/51 (31.4%) with diarrhea and 17/51 (33.3%) of controls, indicating a change in susceptibility.
- Campylobacter enteritis in younger children was typically mild, often without bloody stools, and prolonged shedding was observed. Breastfeeding did not appear to protect against colonization.
Conclusions:
- Susceptibility to Campylobacter jejuni infection changes significantly in children after 9 months of age.
- Campylobacter enteritis in young children is generally mild, with prolonged shedding being common.
- Breastfeeding does not confer protection against C. jejuni colonization in this population.
Abstract:
In a year long prospective study of diarrhoea in children under 2 years of age in Soweto, South Africa, Campylobacter jejuni was isolated in 18 of 60 children under 9 months of age with diarrhoea, compared with 4 of 60 age matched controls. In the older children, 16 of 51 children with diarrhoea and 17 of 51 control children excreted this organism in their faeces. These results indicate a change in susceptibility to C jejuni in children over 9 months of age. Campylobacter enteritis in the young children was usually mild, without macroscopic blood in the faeces, and prolonged excretion of the organism after acute attacks was not infrequent. Breast feeding did not seem to protect against colonisation with C jejuni.