Review of Foodborne Campylobacteriosis in Iraq

Abstract
Campylobacteriosis, caused primarily by Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli, is a leading but underreported cause of bacterial enterocolitis in Iraq. This review provides a comprehensive summary of three decades (1994–2025) of data from more than 30 Iraqi studies, offering new insights into campylobacteriosis epidemiology and control in resource-limited settings. Our analysis highlights a significant distinction: although clinical reporting is limited, research consistently demonstrates a high prevalence reaching up to 44.5% in broiler chickens, which suggests substantial underdiagnosis. Accurately determining how widespread campylobacteriosis remains challenging, as there is considerable uncertainty in both sporadic cases and studies focused on specific populations. Key trends indicate that contaminated poultry is the main transmission route, worsened by poor food safety practices as higher detection rates were reported from food samples. The economic burden encompasses healthcare costs, productivity losses, and impacts on the food industry are all still largely unknown in Iraq due to lack of nation-wide surveillance studies. We conclude that the health and economic threat of campylobacteriosis in Iraq is substantially underestimated. Our review recommends (1) the creation of a national "One Health" monitoring network, (2) the standardization of the diagnostics in main healthcare centers, and (3) targeted public education on poultry handling. Addressing these gaps requires urgent interdisciplinary collaboration and political committing to food safety infrastructure.

Author
Dhary Alewy Almashhadany

DOI
https://doi.org/10.21608/svu.2026.446355.1451

ISSN
2535-1877

Publish Date: 2026-05-06