Background: Campylobacter
infections occur worldwide. A recent study in Kampala, Uganda, found that 87% of broiler chickens had
Campylobacter jejuni
; these are potential source of human infection. Isolation rate in developing countries is between 5-35%. This study aimed at finding prevalence of children with campylobacter infection among children with acute diarrhea attending Mulago hospital.
Objective:
The objective was to establish the proportion of children infected with
Campylobacter spp among children with acute diarrhea at Mulago hospital.
Methods:
A crossectional study from July to October 2005 was conducted involved 226 children with acute diarrhea. Serial sampling was done a total of 226 stool specimens were obtained and cultured on selective media. Identification was done using biochemical test and susceptibility using standard discs diffusion method.
Results:
Campylobacter spp were isolated in 21 (9.3%) of 226 stool specimens analyzed.
Campylobacter jejuni 17 (80.9%),
Campylobacter lari
2 (9.5%),
Campylobacter coli
1 (4.5%) and
Campylobacter jejuni/coli 1(4.5%). All
Campylobacter isolates were sensitive to erythromycin, and 20% had intermediate resistance to Ampicillin.
Conclusion:
Campylobacter spp are prevalent among children with acute diarrhea in Kampala- Uganda. A large multicenter study should be undertaken so that the extent of campylobacter infection in our setting can be established.
