Abstract

Objective: The main objectives of the present study were to identify the incidence of Campylobacter species and their antibiotic susceptibility and risk factors among children with diarrhea under five years of age admitted to maternity and children hospital in Ramadi city.
Materials and methods: Two hundred eighty children under five years of age admitted to maternity and children hospital in Ramadi city for management of diarrhea over a period of one year from (1st of October 2005 to 30th of September 2006), were studied for identification of Campylobacter species as a cause of diarrhea. Each child was studied for the followings: age, sex, residency, source of water supply, associated symptoms, type of feeding and family history of chicken breeding.
Specific cultures of stool specimens for Campylobacter were done for all patients and also for ordinary bacterial agents. Isolates were identified and the percentage of the causative agents were discussed .
Results: Campylobacter species as a causative agent of acute diarrhea in Ramadi city was found to be 8.92%.The incidence of Campylobacter species among other bacterial causes of diarrhea was 21.2%. Ciprofloxacin , nalidixic acid and clindamycin demonstrated high level of susceptibility (96%, 92% and 96% respectively), while the remaining antibiotics showed either moderate susceptibility or resistance.
Conclusion: Campylobacter species is an imprtant cause for diarrhea among children under five years of age admitted to maternity and children hospital in Ramadi city. Bottle feeding and chicken breeding are important risk factors for getting Campylobacter infection. Ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid and clindamycin are the most effective treatment for Campylobacter species, and recommended as drugs of choice.

Keywords: campylobacter , diarrhea ,under five ,Ramadi.

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