

@article {7771,
	title = {Campylobacter Infection in Children in Malawi Is Common and Is Frequently Associated with Enteric Virus Co-Infections},
	journal = {PLOS ONE},
	volume = {8},
	number = {3},
	year = {2013},
	month = {03/26},
	pages = {e59663},
	abstract = {Background Campylobacter species are the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in the developed world. However, comparatively few studies have determined the epidemiological features of campylobacteriosis in resource-poor settings. Methods A total of 1,941 faecal specimens collected from symptomatic (diarrhoeic) children and 507 specimens from asymptomatic (non-diarrhoeic) children hospitalised in Blantyre, Malawi, between 1997 and 2007, and previously tested for the presence of rotavirus and norovirus, was analysed for C. jejuni and C. coli using a real time PCR assay. Results Campylobacter species were detected in 415/1,941 (21\%) of diarrhoeic children, with C. jejuni accounting for 85\% of all cases. The median age of children with Campylobacter infection was 11 months (range 0.1{\^a}{\texteuro}{\textquotedblleft}55 months), and was significantly higher than that for children with rotavirus and norovirus (6 months and 7 months respectively; P<0.001). Co-infection with either rotavirus or norovirus was noted in 41\% of all cases in the diarrhoeic group. In contrast, the detection rate of Campylobacter in the non-diarrhoeic group was 14\%, with viral co-infection identified in 16\% of children with Campylobacter. There was no association between Campylobacter detection rate and season over the 10 year period. Discussion Using molecular detection methodology in hospitalised Malawian children, we have demonstrated a high prevalence of Campylobacter infection, with frequent viral co-infection. The burden of Campylobacter infection in young African children may be greater than previously recognised.},
	url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1371\%2Fjournal.pone.0059663},
	author = {Mason,Jenifer and Iturriza-Gomara,Miren and Sarah J. O{\textquoteright}Brien and Ngwira,Bagrey M. and Dove,Winifred and Martin CJ Maiden and Cunliffe,Nigel A.}
}
