TY - JOUR AU - Ibrahim, Jose Noel AU - Eghnatios, Elias AU - El Roz, Ali AU - Fardoun, Taher AU - Ghssein, Ghassan PY - 2019/01/31 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - Prevalence, antimicrobial resistance and risk factors for campylobacteriosis in Lebanon JF - The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries JA - J Infect Dev Ctries VL - 13 IS - 01 SE - Original Articles DO - 10.3855/jidc.10729 UR - https://jidc.org/index.php/journal/article/view/32032018 SP - 11-20 AB - <p>Introduction: The rapid increase in <em>Campylobacter</em> strains resistant to antibiotics represents a major problem for public health. In Lebanon, campylobacteriosis is underdiagnosed since bacteria detection in stool samples is not performed routinely. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, sources and routes of transmission, risk factors and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of <em>Campylobacter </em>spp. in Lebanon.</p><p>Methodology: Stool samples collected from 1000 Lebanese patients with diarrhea, and 150 meat samples taken from supermarkets and slaughterhouses were subjected to <em>Campylobacter </em>detection. Colonies were identified by Gram staining, oxidase and catalase activities. They were then differentiated at the species level by hippurate test and PCR. Susceptibility of <em>Campylobacter </em>spp. to antibiotics was studied by the disc diffusion standard method.</p><p>Results: <em>Campylobacter </em>spp. were detected in 21.5% of stool samples; the main isolated species being <em>C. jejuni </em>(83.2%) and <em>C. coli </em>(13.9%). The highest <em>Campylobacter </em>infection rates were detected among children (41.8%) and during summer (31.6%). Consumption of contaminated meat and salads, and contact with animals represented the major risk factors for campylobacteriosis, with poultry carcasses and bovine cuts identified as the main bacteria reservoirs. Neither demographic determinants nor season had a major effect on the prevalence of campylobacteriosis. Erythromycin was the most active agent against <em>Campylobacter </em>spp. A multi-resistance rate was observed in 35.9% of isolates.</p><p>Conclusions: Campylobacteriosis is a major public health concern in Lebanon<em>. </em>Bacteria detection in stool culture should be performed routinely to allow an early diagnosis and a better monitoring of the disease and its burden.</p> ER -