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Bacterial enteropathogens isolated in childhood diarrhoea in Kuala Lumpur--the changing trend

W S Lee1, S D Puthucheary

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Malaya Medical Centre, 50603, Kuala Lumpur.

The Medical Journal of Malaysia
|October 23, 2003
PubMed

Insights

This study analyzed bacterial pathogens in childhood diarrhea in Malaysia from 1978-1997. Non-typhoidal Salmonella was most common, with a significant decrease in overall positive results and specific pathogens like E. coli and Shigella over time.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Childhood diarrhea remains a significant health concern globally.
  • Understanding causative bacterial pathogens is crucial for effective treatment and prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the etiological patterns of bacterial diarrhea in children under 16 years old in an urban Malaysian setting.
  • To analyze trends in pathogen isolation over a 20-year period (1978-1997).

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of stool samples from pediatric patients with diarrhea at University of Malaya Medical Centre.
  • Bacteriological analysis of 26,444 stool samples collected between 1978 and 1997.
  • Statistical analysis to identify common pathogens and assess temporal trends.

Main Results:

  • 11% of stool samples were positive for bacterial pathogens.
  • The most frequent pathogens were non-typhoidal Salmonella (57%), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) (14%), and Shigella spp. (11%).
  • A significant decline in positive isolation rates was observed in the latter five years of the study (7.2% vs. 15.0%), with reduced isolation of EPEC and Shigella.

Conclusions:

  • Non-typhoidal Salmonella, EPEC, and Shigella were the primary bacterial causes of childhood diarrhea in this urban Malaysian cohort.
  • The observed reduction in pathogen prevalence suggests potential improvements in public health interventions or diagnostic practices over time.
  • Findings are vital for public health education and guiding antimicrobial therapy for childhood diarrhea and its complications.

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