Sciensano & Campylobacter

Sciensano contributes to the epidemiological surveillance of Campylobacter in Belgium. For this, we work together with the relevant laboratories and the regional authorities.

Several Sciensano units are involved in the epidemiological surveillance of Campylobacter in Belgium.

• This is done by the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases Unit via coordination of the network of sentinel laboratories and the National Reference Centres, including Campylobacter (LHUB-ULB Brussels).
• The Foodborne Pathogens Unit includes the National Reference Laboratory for Foodborne Intoxications and Infections (NRL-FBI). In the context of outbreaks, the NRL-FBI analyses food samples sent by the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) for the presence of the relevant Campylobacter bacterium in the foodstuffs.
• When an epidemic is suspected, the relevant regional authorities are contacted, where the medical health inspectors can launch an investigation into the source among the patients. Sciensano can offer support in the case of this epidemiological research.

These various activities undertaken by Sciensano thus contribute to the surveillance and control of Campylobacter in Belgium, for the benefit of public health.