Campylobacteriosis: Emphasis on its Status as Foodborne Zoonosis in Ethiopia

Campylobacter is one of the major causes of gastroenteritis in humans. The bacteria is a common component of the intestinal microbiota of numerous wild bird and mammals’ species, and cause disease in human typically due to ingestion of contaminated food like that of chicken, drinking untreated water or unpasteurized milk and contact with farm animals. Most cases are sporadic with a seasonal peak during the summer. Usually, the disease manifested by fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which usually diagnosed based on the patient’s history and the symptoms. The case campylobacteriosis was rarely investigated and under-reported in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aims of this paper are to review the nature of Campylobacter spp. and overview its status as a foodborne zoonosis in Ethiopia. Based on the published report from different parts of Ethiopia, thermophilic Campylobacter spp. were isolated from raw meats and feces samples of different domestic animals and human. The highest prevalence reported from chicken meats, and C. jejuni and C. coli were the most prevalence Campylobacter spp. isolated from both the foods of animal origin and human beings. The disease has significantly reported from different parts of the country, though researches do not seem to cover wider geographic areas. Campylobacteriosis control and prevention strategies should focus on prevention of transmission to human beings by implementing strict hygienic control measures along the food chain to improve the hygienic conditions during handling, slaughtering, storage and commercialization of foods.