CHARACTERIZATION OF CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI AS AN ENTERIC PATHOGEN IN UNDER FIVE CHILDREN IN JOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Introduction: Campylobacter jejuni together with the other thermophilic species are a
leading cause of infective gastroenteritis in under-five children globally. The burden of
Campylobacter jejuni is not known in Jos.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify and isolate
Campylobacter jejuni in
under-five children in Jos, to identify the prevalent biotypes, antimicrobial sensitvity
pattern and determine risk factors.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Jos University
Teaching Hospital (JUTH). A total of 260 under-fives with diarrhoea and 100 without
diarrhoea were recruited. Socio-demographic data and risk factors were obtained with a
structured questionnaire. Stool specimens and rectal swabs were collected and
processed for
Campylobacter

jejuni by standard microbiological methods. Data was
analyzed with SPSS version 19. Chi square and Fisher’s Exact test were used to
compare variables. P value <0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The mean age of the study subjects were 19.7±12.3 months and 20.8±13.7
for the diarrhoea and non diarrhoea groups.
C ampylobacter spp was isolated in 17
(6.5%) under-fives with diarrhoea and in 2 (2.0%) of those without diarrhoea. Eleven
(4.2%) of children with diarrhoea had
Campyloba c ter
jejuni isolates. Biotypes I and II
were prevalent in this region. Children below 24 months of age significantly had higher

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isolates. Consumption of raw milk and contact with chicken were significantly associated
with
Campylo bacter infection in the diarrhoea group. The isolates were susceptible to
gentamicin, ceftriaxone, ampicillin among others but resistant to erythromycin,
clindamycin and sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim.
Conclusion: This study has shown
Campylobacter jejuni as an enteric pathogen in
under-fives with diarrhoea in Jos, with infections more commonly seen in children less
than two years of age, those who ingested raw cow milk and in those who are resident
in areas where poultry especially chicken are kept. Male children, children in school and
those of lower socioeconomic class had a higher risk of acquisition of infection.
Infections were caused by biotypes I and II which were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and
ampicillin but showed reduced susceptibility to erythromycin and sulphamethoxazole/
trimethoprim. The outcome of this study can be used in the identification and treatment
of children with
Campylobacter enteritis. Although, the prevalence of
Campylobacter in
this environment was low, improved health education especially in the area of personal
and environmental hygiene, prompt treatment and better nutrition will further reduce
the infection rate