Campylobacter spp. as a foodborne pathogens in Vietnam and Kenya

Thermophilic Campylobacter are well recognized as the leading cause of bacterial foodborne gastroenteritis worldwide. Campylobacter are microaerophilic growing, Gram-negative, curved corkscrew shaped and show motility. They colonize the intestine of many wild and domestic animals, particularly that of poultry. Knowledge on Campylobacter is limited in many developing countries, particularly in Vietnam and Kenya. Studies on the epidemiology of Campylobacter based on molecular techniques are limited for both countries. Additionally, some common characteristics of chicken production and food consumption habits are in common, Vietnam and Kenya, e.g. close proximity of human and animal production, low biosecurity levels and hygiene standards, overuse of antibiotics in animal feed. These factors have been discussed to contribute to Campylobacter transmission to human. There are many gaps that need to be filled in epidemiological studies of Campylobacter in these countries. Therefore, the aim of this work is on emphasizing Campylobacter as a foodborne pathogens in Vietnam and Kenya.