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Etiology of children's diarrhea in Montevideo, Uruguay: associated pathogens and unusual isolates

M E Torres1, M C Pírez, F Schelotto

  • 1Bacteriology and Virology Department, Institute of Hygiene, School of Medicine, Universidad de la República, CP 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|May 29, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and rotavirus were common causes of infant diarrhea in Uruguay. Many children had multiple infections, and some pathogens showed significant antimicrobial resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Infant diarrhea remains a significant health concern globally.
  • Accurate identification of causative agents is crucial for effective treatment and control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the spectrum of microbial pathogens associated with infant diarrhea in Montevideo, Uruguay.
  • To characterize the identified pathogens at a molecular or antigenic level.
  • To assess the prevalence of coinfections and antimicrobial resistance patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of stool samples from 256 hospitalized infants with diarrhea.
  • Utilized updated diagnostic procedures for pathogen detection and characterization.
  • Molecular and antigenic typing methods were employed.

Main Results:

  • Pathogens were detected in 63.8% of cases, with over one-third showing coinfections.
  • Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and rotavirus were the most prevalent agents.
  • Campylobacter jejuni, Shigella flexneri, and Cryptosporidium were also frequently identified.
  • Unusual isolates included enteroinvasive E. coli, Shigella dysenteriae 2, and non-O:1 Vibrio cholerae.
  • EPEC and Shigella flexneri exhibited notable resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics.

Conclusions:

  • A diverse range of enteric pathogens contribute to infant diarrhea in the study population.
  • The high prevalence of EPEC and frequent coinfections highlight the complexity of infant diarrhea etiology.
  • Emerging antimicrobial resistance in key pathogens like EPEC warrants further investigation and monitoring.

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