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. 2016 Nov 21;16(1):692.
doi: 10.1186/s12879-016-2031-z.

Epidemiology and RAPD-PCR typing of thermophilic campylobacters from children under five years and chickens in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

Idrissa S Chuma  1 , Hezron E Nonga  2 , Robinson H Mdegela  2 , Rudovick R Kazwala  2
Affiliations

Epidemiology and RAPD-PCR typing of thermophilic campylobacters from children under five years and chickens in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

Idrissa S Chuma et al. BMC Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Background: Campylobacter species are gram negative and flagellated bacteria under the genus Campylobacter, family Campylobacteriaceae. These pathogens cause zoonotic infections among human and animal populations. This study was undertaken between December 2006 and May 2007 to determine prevalence, risk factors and genetic diversity of thermophilic Campylobacter isolates from children less than 5 years and chickens in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania.

Methods: The Skirrow's protocol was used for isolation and identification of Campylobacter from 268 human stool specimens and 419 chicken cloacal swabs. Patient biodata and risk factors associated with human infection were also collected. Genetic diversity of Campylobacter isolates was determined by a RAPD-PCR technique using OPA 11 primer (5'-CAA TCG CCG T-3'). Phylogenetic analysis and band pattern comparison were done by Bionumerics software and visual inspection.

Results: Stool samples from 268 children and 419 cloacal swabs from chickens were analyzed. Prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacters in children was 19% with higher isolation frequency (p = 0.046) in males (23.5%) than females (13.8%). Campylobacter jejuni (78.4%) was more isolated (p = 0.000) than C. coli (19.6%) and 2% were unidentified isolates. In chickens, the prevalence was 42.5% with higher isolation rate (p = 0.000) of C. jejuni (87%) than C. coli (13%). Campylobacters were more frequently recovered (p = 0.000) from indigenous/ local chickens (75.0%) followed by cockerels (52.2%), broilers (50.0%) and lowest in layers (22.7%). Keeping chickens without other domestic animals concurrently (p = 0.000), chicken types (p = 0.000) and flock size (p = 0.007) were risk factors for infection in chickens. One hundred and fifty two (152) thermophillic Campylobacter isolates were genotyped by RAPD-PCR of which 114 were C. jejuni (74 from chickens and 40 humans) and 38 C. coli (28 from chickens and 10 humans). Comparison of Campylobacter isolates from children and chickens revealed high diversity with only 6.1% of C. jejuni and 5.3% of C. coli being 100% genetically similar.

Conclusions: This study has recorded high prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter in children less than 5 years and chickens in Morogoro municipality. The observed genetic similarity among few C. jejuni and C. coli isolates from children and chicken suggests existence of cross transmission of these pathogens between children under 5 years and chickens.

Keywords: C. coli; Campylobacter jejuni; Chicken; Children; Epidemiology; Genetic diversity; Morogoro; RAPD PCR; Tanzania.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Isolation frequency and origin of children infected with thermophilic campylobacters in Morogoro
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Part of phylogenetic tree showing genetic diversity among C. jejuni isolates from children and chickens in Morogoro
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Phylogenetic tree showing genetic diversity among C. coli isolates from children and chickens in Morogoro
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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