Epidemiology of Animal and Human Campylobacter Species Infections in Nigeria: A Retrospective Insight and the Need for One Health Approach in the Prevention and Control

Abstract

Campylobacter infection is zoonotic and has remained a global economic and public health con-cern. The bacteria cause gastroenteritis and other debilitating health and economic problems in both animals and humans. Epidemiological factors and risk practices aiding the acquisition and dissemination of the infection still subsist in developing countries, particularly Nigeria, but epidemiological information on the distribution and control of the infection is sparse. Taking cognizance of the significance of epidemiological data, this study systematically reviewed 53 eli-gible articles on the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profile of Campylobacter isolates from animals, food matrices, and humans in Nigeria from 1981 to 2022. The 53 articles have a pooled sample population of 9329, 3529, 571, and 5523 from animals, food matrices, water, and humans, respectively. C. jejuni and C. coli were the most reported species with prevalence range: 5.3%-60.7%, 3.5%-92.7%, 14.3%-27.7%, 8.8%-68.8%, 4.8%-96%, 0.5%-43.8%, and 7%-70% in poultry, other food-producing animals, companion animal, water, food of animal origin, children <5 years old, and other individuals at risk, respectively. A pooled prevalence of 26.8%, 23.1%, 20.7%, 34.8%, 53.7%, 12.7%, and 25.4% in the same order was calculated. Of the 53 articles reviewed, molecular diagnostics tools were employed in 11 (21%) while multidrug resistance was reported in 15 (28%). Intensification of food animal production, use of protective wares by animal and meat handlers, adequate cooking of foods of animal origin, prudent use of antibiotics in animal agriculture, and a coordinated One Health approach to the control of campylobacteriosis has become pertinent in Nigeria.