Epidemiology of Campylobacter across the United Kingdom and 30 European Economic Area countries
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All Authors
Boaitey-Biko, Akosua Serwaa
Silvester Lopes, Bruno
LTHT Author
Boaitey-Biko, Akosua Serwaa
LTHT Department
Outpatient Services
Non Medic
Phlebotomist
Publication Date
2025-07-10
Item Type
Conference Abstract
Language
en
Subject
Subject Headings
Abstract
Background: Campylobacter is the leading cause of > 160 million gastroenteritis, with > 37,000 deaths worldwide. In the UK, it causes 630,000 cases, accounts for approximately 120,000 general practitioner (GP) consultations, and costs the economy £1 billion annually.
Aims: This study examines Campylobacter incidence and disease burden in the UK (England, Wales, and Scotland) and 30 European Economic Area countries during 2018-2022. It analyses the epidemiology, virulence mechanisms, and antibiotic resistance in major pathogenic strains from various host reservoirs across Scotland.
Methods: The incidence of Campylobacter in the UK was analysed, and compared with the incidence in 30 EEA countries (2018–2022). Whole genome analysis of 3,428 isolates from Scotland, antimicrobial resistance to fluoroquinolones, tetracycline, macrolides, and beta-lactams, and 113 key virulence genes were studied.
Results: Scotland reported a higher average incidence of campylobacteriosis (108.9/100,000) than England and Wales (99.9/100,000). Czechia had the highest average incidence (177/100,000) in this period, exceeding the EU average (146/100,000), reflecting both high disease burden and robust national surveillance. Poland, Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania recorded the lowest incidence (3–4.1/100,000), likely due to underreporting, and lack of harmonised reporting across the EU. Fourteen major strains were identified in Scotland, including C. jejuni ST50, ST21, and C. coli ST827. Poultry (22.6%, n=774) was the primary reservoir. ST5136 was the predominant multi-drug-resistant clone exclusively associated with poultry. Compared to C. jejuni, C. coli ST827 lacked 27 virulence genes involved in toxin production and immune evasion, indicating lower virulence potential. There was 91.7% beta-lactam resistance across all C. jejuni and C. coli strains, and -57 promoter mutation was detected in a third of C. jejuni isolates which is linked with the hyper-production of beta-lactamase.
Conclusion: Strengthening data frameworks is essential to enhance public health strategies and ease burden across the NHS. Whole genome analysis provides insights into new emerging trends of antibiotic resistant and virulent strains of Campylobacter.