Campylobacter Jejuni and Its Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern Among Under- Five Children with Gastroenteritis in Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract Introduction: Campylobacter jejuni is the leading causes of diarrheal disease worldwide among under five years of age. Epidemiological data about C. jejuni and drug susceptibility profile of isolates among children with symptom of gastroenteritis has a paramount importance for evidence based decision. However, such information is not available in the study area. Hence, this study was carried out fill this information gap.Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among under-five children (U5C) visiting four primary health centers’ pediatric clinic due to acute gastroenteritis from February to May, 2019. Socio-demographic data were collected in a face to face interview using structured questionnaire. Stool specimen was collected and transported to the Bahir Dar University, Medical Microbiology Laboratory. The specimens were inoculated on Charcoal Cefoperazone Deoxycholate Agar. Identification and antibacterial susceptibility test was performed using standard bacteriological methods. The collected data were entered to EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 23.Results: Among a total of 196 U5C with acute gastroenteritis, 39 (19.9%) were positive for Campylobacter species. The proportion of C. jejuni was 14.8% (29/196). The multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that care givers (AOR=3.76, 95%CI: 1.29-10.98), guardians hand washing practice before food preparation (AOR=3.63, 95%CI: 1.15-11.46), and contact with domestic animals (AOR=4.23, 95%CI: 1.46-12.28) demonstrated significant association with C. jejuni infection. Among 29 C. jejuni isolates, 24 (82.8%), 24 (82.8%) and 18 (62.1%) were resistant for tetracycline, cefoxitine and erythromycin, respectively. Conclusions: The proportion of C. jejuni infection was high. Children who had contact with animals showed association with C. jejuni infection. Additionally, majority of C. jejuni showed resistance for tetracycline, cefoxitin, ampicillin and erythromycin.