Campylobacteriosis in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Research and clinical works have documented various species of campylobacter in Africa. Thermophilic campylobacter has been shown to be endemic in the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region, and the prevalence is suspected to be increasing. To define the geographic boundaries of SSA, the United Nations macrogeographic definition of Africa has been used in several studies https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/. According to this UN definition, sub-Saharan Africa is divided into East Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa, and West Africa. The zoonotic potential of campylobacter has been extensively studied and documented in the SSA region. Children are the most affected by campylobacter infections, and the infections exhibit seasonal patterns. Research has shown varied sources of infection such as foods of animal and plant origins, as well as unpasteurized milk and water, but animal meat is the most common source of infection. This chapter will delve into finding more recent information on campylobacter in the region such as the species, their prevalence, virulence, and risk factors. It will also explore the options in management such as vaccines and recommended diagnosis therapeutic protocols in humans and animals.