Global Epidemiology of Campylobacter Infection

Abstract

Campylobacter jejuni infection is one of the most widespread infectious diseases of the last century. The incidence and prevalence of campylobacteriosis have increased in both developed and developing countries over the last 10 years. The dramatic increase in North America, Europe, and Australia is alarming, and data from parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East indicate that campylobacteriosis is endemic in these areas, especially in children. In addition to C. jejuni, there is increasing recognition of the clinical importance of emerging Campylobacter species, including Campylobacter concisus and Campylobacter ureolyticus. Poultry is a major reservoir and source of transmission of campylobacteriosis to humans. Other risk factors include consumption of animal products and water, contact with animals, and international travel. Strategic implementation of multifaceted biocontrol measures to reduce the transmission of this group of pathogens is paramount for public health. Overall, campylobacteriosis is still one of the most important infectious diseases that is likely to challenge global health in the years to come. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the global epidemiology, transmission, and clinical relevance of Campylobacter infection.

FIG 1

Environmental reservoirs, routes of transmission, and clinical manifestations associated with Campylobacter species. Campylobacter species can be transmitted to humans through consumption of undercooked or contaminated food or via contact with animals. Tap, bore, and pond waters are also sources of Campylobacter species. Person-to-person transmission (fecal-oral or via fomites) can occur. Ingestion of a sufficient dose of organisms via the oral-gastric route may lead to one or more gastrointestinal and/or extragastrointestinal manifestations; the outcome is dependent on the species or strains of Campylobacter involved in the infection. Abbreviations: IBD, inflammatory bowel diseases; IBS, irritable bowel syndrome. Question marks indicate conditions for which a role for Campylobacter is implicated but not certain.

FIG 2

Incidence and prevalence of campylobacteriosis (C. jejuni/C. coli). The latest information on the global epidemiology of campylobacteriosis from the literature is shown, including data from the United Kingdom (47), Denmark (11), Germany (49), Norway (424), Poland (25, 50, 425), the Netherlands (51), Israel (67), China (60, 61), Japan (26), India (63–65), Australia (69), New Zealand (73), Madagascar (78), Malawi (77), Kenya (79, 426), Guatemala (41), Peru (427), Mexico (428), the United States (10 sites within The Food-Borne Diseases Active Surveillance Network) (34), and Canada (37–39). B.C., British Columbia. (Map adapted from an image from Wikimedia Commons [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_large_blank_world_map_with_oceans_marked_in_blue.PNG].)

FIG 3

Timeline of published campylobacteriosis outbreaks since 2007 (381, 382, 429–447).