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Campylobacter spp among Children with acute diarrhea attending Mulago hospital in Kampala - Uga


SE Msahan
M Joloba
A Kakooza
D Kaddu-Mulindwa

Abstract

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 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.

Keywords: Campylobacter spp, Prevalence, Acute diarrhea

African Health Sciences 2009; 9(3):201-205


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eISSN: 1729-0503
print ISSN: 1680-6905