Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens Associated with the Risk of Gastroenteritis in the State of Qatar

Objective: To assess the risk of gastroenteritis associated with bacterial foodborne pathogens and identify associated factors in a highly diverse population. Material and methods: A series of case-control studies were carried out to address the stated objective. The study population consisted of individuals who were admitted to the Hamad Medical Corporation hospitals and stool analysis indicated positive findings to Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli, or Salmonella spp. between the period of August 2009 and December 2012. Cases were defined based on positive stool analysis to any of the previously mentioned organisms. Control group was similar to case group but negative in stool analysis to the particular pathogen under study. Association between demographic characteristics and likelihood of pathogen infection were investigated using logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 423 individuals diagnosed with these bacterial pathogens were randomly enrolled to the study. The majority of cases were infected by E.coli. Age was significantly associated with E.coli and Salmonella spp. Conclusion: E.coli infection is common among young children. The risk of Salmonella increases with age. Campylobacter may affect any age. Further investigation of interaction between foodborne pathogen infection and environmental factors is necessary