Ciencia y tecnología veterinaria

Epidemiology and Public Health Significance of Campylobacteriosis

Abstract

Asamrew Adino Gezahegn*

Emerging food borne pathogens are significant causes of morbidity and mortality both in developing nations as well as developed. Campylobacter is well recognized as the leading cause of bacterial food borne diarrheal disease and distributed all over the world. Campylobacteriosis is a collective description for infectious diseases caused by members of the bacterial genus Campylobacter. The only form of Campylobacteriosis of major public health importance is Campylobacter enteritis due to C. jejuni and C. coli. Research and control efforts on the disease have been conducted more often in developed countries than developing countries. However, because of the increasing incidence, expanding spectrum of infections, potential of HIV related deaths due to Campylobacter, epidemiological data suggest that Campylobacter remains a worldwide leading cause of gastrointestinal infections. Improperly prepared meat products, unpasteurized milk as well as non-chlorinated drinking water were shown to be the main sources of Campylobacteriosis. National surveillance programs and international collaborations are needed to address the substantial gaps in the knowledge about the epidemiology of Campylobacteriosis in developing countries. The aim of this review paper is to assess the global and national epidemiology and public health significance of Campylobacter with emphasis on the prevention and control options in developing countries following the experience of developed countries.