Salmonella Carriage among Patients in Fako Division, Cameroon: A Cross-sectional Study of Its Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors

Abstract

Introduction: This study was aimed at evaluating the prevalence and the risk factors of Salmonellosis in patients who were consulted in some medical facilities in Fako Division of Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2017 to November 2018 in three hospitals in Fako division of Cameroon; Tiko District Hospital, Mutengene Medical Center and Buea Regional Hospital. A total of 510 individuals presenting with symptoms of Salmonellosis were administered comprehensive questionnaire. Salmonella enterica strains were cultured from stool and identified using API 20E. Data was entered into Excel and imported into STATA v.12 for Windows, for statistical analysis. Odd ratios were calculated to determine the risk factors associated with Salmonellosis. Results: Fifty Salmonella enterica strains were isolated giving a prevalence of 9.8%. Univariate analysis showed the following risk factors for Salmonellosis: area of residence; suburban p=0.037, OR=5.7 95% CI (1.1-30.03) and rural p=0.077, OR=2.3 95% CI (0.91-5.76), overcrowding (2 persons in a room) p=0.047, OR=2.3 95% CI (1.01-5.41); drinking tap-water, p=0.032 OR=0.38(.16-.092); left-over drugs from the pharmacy, p=0.906 OR= 1.07(0.32-3.55) as being relatively significant risk factors. Conclusion: The prevalence was found to be higher among the very young and older people greater than 45 years. The risk factors identified in this study are: age, area of residence; overcrowding; consuming locally prepared yoghurt or Kosam; eating out or auto-medication by taking leftover drugs. These findings highlight the need of reinforcement of hygiene promotion especially in infants and overpopulated communities, educate on proper prescription and usage of drugs, in addition to the intensification of environmental interventions.