A Five year review of Campylobacter infection in Queensland

Abstract

Campylobacter infection consistently has one of the highest annual notification rates of all communicable diseases. We reviewed the epidemiology of Campylobacter infection in Queensland by analysing notification data for a five year period (1991 to 1995). This included incidence, age and sex distribution, seasonality, geographic distribution, and socioeconomic status. The review found the highest notification rate in children aged 12 - 23 months. There was no distinct seasonal pattern of infection. Campylobacter infection was reported more frequently in urban areas and for persons residing in higher socioeconomic areas. It would appear that factors which influence notification rates in the general population do not necessarily have the same influence on the 0 - 4 years age group. Comm Dis Intell 1996;20:478-482.