Antibiotic Resistance patterns of Campylobacter jejuni isolated from diarrheal patients in Gaza strip

Abstract:

A case control study was conducted to determine the epidemiology risk factors and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter jejuni strains isolated from  stools of children up to the age of 12 years admitted in pediatric Gaza strip hospitals. Stool samples were cultured in a Campylobacter blood-free medium that was incubated for 48h at 42 ^?C under microaerophilic conditions. The suspected Campylobacter jejuni isolates were  tested for catalase ,oxidase production, urease   enzyme, nitrate reduction, H₂S production, and  API 20 E system. Sensitivity testing was carried out using  the Modified Kirby Bauer disc diffusion technique. Thirty stool samples were positive for campylobacter jejuni (5%). 14 (47%) cases were male, 87% of stool samples consistency were watery and 13% mucoisymptoms recorded were abdominal pain (73%), fever (60%), 60% vomiting and 13% dehydration. The age group of 4-6 years in both female and male was affected with 44% and 36% respectively. Antibiotics resistance rate for Trimethoprim /sulphamethoxazole 93%, Cephalothin 86%, Tetracycline 86%, Ampicillin 50%, Erythromycin 27%, Ciprofloxacin 27%, Gentamicin 27%, Amikacin 17%, Azithromycin 15%, Ceftriaxone 13% and Meropenem 0%. The risk factors associated with developing C. jejuni infection  was malnutrition (anemia) P-value 0.006, odds ratio 3.2, and  low mother education P-value 0.002 odds ratio 3.6 ,

In conclusion:The study showed a significant number of C. jejuni isolated strains from children  .The susceptibility pattern reflects variable susceptibility with high resistance to Trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole, Teracycline and Cephalothin and  low resistance to Meropenem, Azithromycin and Ceftriaxon. Risk factors should be applied in the control of this pathogen