Santé Publique France has released new information regarding Campylobacter infections in 2022, with a total of 60 outbreaks reported. The data was gathered through the National Reference Center (CNR) for Campylobacter and Helicobacter, as well as mandatory reporting of outbreaks.
According to the CNR, a total of 9,160 strains of Campylobacter were identified. Campylobacter jejuni was the most commonly found species, accounting for nearly 85% of cases, followed by Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter fetus. Most of the strains were isolated from stools, with a few being found in blood samples.
You may also like to watch : Who Is Kamala Harris? Biography - Parents - Husband - Sister - Career - Indian - Jamaican Heritage
The data also revealed a seasonal increase in Campylobacter isolations during the summer months, peaking in August. This pattern has been observed in previous years as well.
The majority of infections occurred in individuals aged under 1 to 9 years old, with the highest incidence rate in this age group. Additionally, men had a higher incidence rate compared to women, except for those between the ages of 20 to 29.
Outbreaks were linked to poultry consumption in 22 incidents, and a total of 321 patients were affected across the 60 outbreaks reported to Santé Publique France. In 2021, there were over 50 outbreaks that affected 178 people.
Resistance to ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, was found to be almost as high in Campylobacter jejuni as in Campylobacter coli. Resistance to erythromycin was low in Campylobacter jejuni but slightly higher in Campylobacter coli. On the other hand, resistance to tetracycline was very high in Campylobacter coli. Only a few strains showed resistance to all five antibiotics tested.
You may also like to watch: Is US-NATO Prepared For A Potential Nuclear War With Russia - China And North Korea?
Campylobacter infections have been on the rise since 2013, potentially due to improved detection methods or an actual increase in infections. To prevent infection, it is important to practice good hygiene in the kitchen, including washing hands, cleaning surfaces and utensils after handling poultry or raw meat, and ensuring that poultry, beef, and pork are cooked thoroughly.
In a separate study conducted in eastern France, scientists examined Campylobacter fetus infections. The study found that these infections primarily affected elderly individuals, immunocompromised patients, or those with underlying health conditions. Infections were associated with high mortality rates, particularly if dual antimicrobial therapy including amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was not prescribed.
