MATERIALS AND METHODS

Objective: To estimate the magnitude of Campylobacter enteritis in children below fifteen years of age. Design: A cross-sectional survey. Setting: Seven villages found in the outskirts of Kolla Diba town were covered. The town is located 35 kilometres away from Gondar teaching hospital. Participants: Stool specimens were collected from 153 children under fifteen years of age. Caretakers of the children were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Main outcome measures: Culture result for Campylobacter, culture and biochemical test results for Salmonella nd Shigella and direct microscopy results for parasites or ova measures. Results: The prevalence of Campylobacter species was 16/153 (10.5%) and the frequency of isolation was twice as much as Salmonella or Shigella species (5.2% each). Contact with cats and diarrhoea-sick person in the household was associated with isolation of Campylobacter species. Conclusion: Based on the finding and the evidence accumulated, clinical health professionals need to consider Campylobacter species as one of the major causes of diarrhoea in children. is limited information on the prevalence of Campylobacter at community level. This community-based study is therefore an attempt o estimate the magnitude of Campylobacter enteritis among children under fifteen years in Dembia district specifically villages surroundin