Epidemiology

Diarrhoeal diseases are an important cause of illness worldwide, affecting 550 million people annually, including 220 million children below the age of 5 years.[6]Campylobacter is one of the four major global causes of diarrhoeal illnesses.[6] In the US, preliminary data show Campylobacter was a leading cause of foodborne illnesses in 2022, with an incidence rate for domestically acquired infections of 17.4 per 100,000 population.[7]​ In England and Wales, there were 56,439 laboratory reports of Campylobacter in 2019 (incidence rate of 100.27 per 100,000 population).[8] The European Union (EU) reported a total number of 220,682 confirmed cases in 2019 across 28 EU member states, corresponding to an incidence rate of 59.7 cases per 100,000. The highest number of reported campylobacteriosis within the EU were observed in Czechia, with a total of 23,169 cases and an incidence of 215 cases per 100,000 population.[9]​

Since 1996, when the US began population-based surveillance of foodborne illness, the incidence of Campylobacter has declined significantly, likely due to increased awareness and furthered education about safe food-handling practices.[10]​​ A report from the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network highlighted that the incidence of Campylobacter in 2022-19.2 per 100,000 population-had stagnated, showing similar rates to those reported during 2016-2018.[7]

Campylobacter occurs in people of all ages. In 2019, the 50-59 age group represented the highest number of infections in England and Wales.[8] In developing countries where Campylobacter is endemic, infection is usually limited to children.[2] Repeated infections early in life lead to the acquisition of immunity and asymptomatic adult infections.[11]

There is a slight male predominance; 56% of infections in England and Wales in 2019 were in men.[8][12]

Seasonal variation of Campylobacter enteritis is seen in temperate climates, with an increased incidence in the summer and a decline to base levels in the winter.[11][13]

Campylobacter infections are common and usually occur in single, sporadic cases, but large outbreaks have been reported.[2]​ In many regions of the world, including Asia, South America, and Africa, Campylobacter is a relatively common cause of traveller's diarrhoea.[14]​​

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