Tracing the Source of Campylobacteriosis
Author Information
Author(s): Wilson Daniel J., Gabriel Edith, Leatherbarrow Andrew J. H., Cheesbrough John, Gee Steven, Bolton Eric, Fox Andrew, Fearnhead Paul, Hart C. Anthony, Diggle Peter J.
Primary Institution: Lancaster University
Hypothesis
What are the primary sources of Campylobacter jejuni infections in humans?
Conclusion
The study found that 97% of sporadic Campylobacter jejuni infections in humans can be attributed to livestock, particularly chickens and cattle.
Supporting Evidence
- 97% of human cases of Campylobacter jejuni are linked to livestock.
- Chicken is the most common source of infection, accounting for 56.5% of cases.
- Cattle are the second most common source, responsible for 35% of cases.
- Only 3% of cases are attributed to wild animals and environmental sources.
- Genetic analysis shows significant overlap between human and livestock C. jejuni strains.
Takeaway
Most people get sick from a germ called Campylobacter from eating chicken or beef, not from wild animals or water.
Methodology
The study used multilocus sequence typing to genotype 1,231 human cases of C. jejuni and compared them to 1,145 animal and environmental isolates.
Potential Biases
There may be bias due to uneven sampling of non-human sources.
Limitations
The study may not account for all potential sources of infection due to genetic overlap between C. jejuni populations.
Participant Demographics
Patients diagnosed with campylobacteriosis in Lancashire, England.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% C.I. 92.7–98.8%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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