A population-based exposure assessment of risk factors associated with gastrointestinal pathogens: aCampylobacterstudy

Abstract

SUMMARYA questionnaire survey was undertaken to determine the exposure of a study population to campylobacteriosis source risk factors (environmental, water, food) and results were stratified by age, population density and deprivation. Data were gathered using an exposure assessment carried out by telephone in the Grampian region of Scotland. Univariate analysis showed that children aged 5-14 years, living in low population density (0-44 . 4 persons/km 2 ) and affluent areas had elevated exposure to environmental and water risk factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that younger age groups and lower population density were significant indicators for most environmental risk factors. The results compared to reported disease incidence in Grampian showed that greater exposure to risk factors does not necessarily coincide with greater disease incidence for age groups, particularly for the 0-4 years age group. Further research is required to explain the relationship between exposure and disease incidence.

Epidemiology and Impact ofCampylobacterInfection in Children in 8 Low-Resource Settings: Results From the MAL-ED Study

“…Despite heterogeneity between sites, factors associated with reduced Campylobacter detection included exclusive breastfeeding, treatment of drinking water, access to an improved latrine, and recent use of antibiotics, particularly macrolides. These findings are consistent with other studies which have shown exclusive breastfeeding, water quality, and sanitation to be important determinants of Campylobacter infection [ 34 , 35 ]. These observations, along with the correlation between infection with Campylobacter and intestinal parasites, are suggestive of diffuse environmental exposure to Campylobacter .…”

Increased Incidence ofCampylobacterspp. Infection and High Rates among Children, Israel

“…The global disproportional burden of campylobacteriosis among young children is far from being understood ( 11 ). A recent study could not show increased exposure to known risk factors in young children compared with other age groups ( 12 ). Increased susceptibility because of immature immune systems, environmental contamination, cross-contamination in the kitchen, hand-to-mouth behavior, and overreporting have all been implicated.…”

Non food-related risk factors of campylobacteriosis in Canada: a matched case-control study

“…The analyses focussed on Campylobacter jejuni infection as most cases are C. jejuni and other Campylobacter species- or subtypes have some specific risk factors [ 12 , 18 , 29 , 30 ]. The matched design allowed for control of age and season, two factors known to be confounders of the relationship between exposure and the disease [ 15 , 17 , 18 , 20 , 21 ]. The analysis was based on data collected from questionnaires for campylobacteriosis cases reported through an enhanced surveillance system and on data from a survey of healthy individuals from the same defined geographic region.…”