Public health risks of infection associated with bacterial pathogens of food safety importance in chickens in rural Tanzania

The chickens are colonised by and shed Campylobacter spp. and non-typhoidal Salmonella spp. which can be an important source of infection to humans. The most important source of Campylobacter and Salmonella infections in low- and middle-income countries, is thought to be close contact with live animals, and animal and human faecal contaminated environments. This arises as a result of unsafe water supply, and poor hygiene practices and sanitation. This study examined the risks that may contribute to the acquisition of animal-related foodborne pathogens in infants and young children in two rural districts of central Tanzania. Growth stage was commonly mentioned by questionnaire survey respondents (44.4%) as the main cause of diarrhoea in children under five years of age, among many causes listed. Among others, use of drinking water from open wells (OR = 0.46, 95% CI. 0.39 - 0.54; p < 0.001) and public tap (OR = 0.51, 95% CI. 0.44 - 0.61; p < 0.001) in the dry season was protective against childhood diarrhoea, compared to stream, river, pond or dam water. Sharing water sources with animals in the dry season (OR=1.48, 95% CI. 1.29 - 1.70; p < 0.001) and chickens roosting inside the home overnight (OR = 1.39, 95% CI. 1.20 - 1.60; p < 0.001) were associated with an increase in children diarrhoea incidences. Households headed by members of the Sukuma (p = 0.005) ethnic group and washing hands in running water (p = 0.007) were associated with higher height-for-age z-scores. Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli and Salmonella spp. were detected in chicken cloacal, latrine and kitchen floor swabs during dry and rainy seasons and several Salmonella serovars of public health importance were isolated from chickens. Prevention of gastrointestinal infections of animal origin should be directed at improving local water supplies, hygiene practices and sanitation, and introducing good animal husbandry skills which consider available resources and existing cultural practices