The spatial and temporal determinants of campylobacteriosis notifications in New Zealand, 2001-2007

Epidemiol Infect. 2012 Sep;140(9):1663-77. doi: 10.1017/S0950268811002159. Epub 2011 Nov 4.

Abstract

Despite recent improvements, New Zealand still has one of the highest per-capita incidence rates of campylobacteriosis in the world. To reduce the incidence, a thorough understanding of the epidemiology of infection is needed. This retrospective analysis of 36 000 notified human cases during a high-risk period between 2001 and 2007 explored the spatial and temporal determinants of Campylobacter notifications at a fine spatial scale in order to improve understanding of the complex epidemiology. Social deprivation was associated with a decreased risk of notification, whereas urban residence was associated with an increased risk. However, for young children rural residence was a risk factor. High dairy cattle density was associated with an increased risk of notification in two of the three regions investigated. Campylobacter notification patterns exhibit large temporal variations; however, few factors were associated with periods of increased risk, in particular temperature did not appear to drive the seasonality in campylobacteriosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Campylobacter / isolation & purification
  • Campylobacter Infections / epidemiology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dairying
  • Disease Notification* / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • New Zealand / epidemiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Rural Population
  • Seasons
  • Time Factors
  • Urban Population
  • Young Adult