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[Enteropathogens associated with acute diarrheal disease in children]
M T Almeida1, R M Silva, L M Donaire
1Faculdade Regional de Medicina de São José de Rio Preto, São José de Rio Preto, SP, Brazil.
Insights
Enteropathogens like Shigella and E. coli cause acute infantile diarrhea in Brazilian children. Environmental factors like temperature and humidity significantly influence pathogen prevalence, particularly in spring.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Acute infantile diarrhea remains a significant health concern globally, especially in low-income populations.
- Understanding the specific enteropathogens causing diarrhea is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and distribution of enteropathogens in children with acute diarrhea in São José do Rio Preto, Brazil.
- To identify risk factors and seasonal patterns associated with enteropathogen infections in this population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 196 children under five with diarrhea and 33 controls was conducted.
- Enteropathogen identification was performed using standard microbiological techniques.
- Data on age, season, and clinical presentation were collected.
Main Results:
- Enteropathogens were identified in 48% of cases and 27% of controls.
- Shigella species (21%) and Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) (10.7%) were the most common pathogens in cases.
- Pathogen isolation peaked in spring, with Shigella and Salmonella showing increased prevalence.
Conclusions:
- Shigella species and diarrheagenic E. coli strains are significant causes of childhood diarrhea in the studied region.
- Seasonal variations, particularly increased prevalence in spring, suggest environmental factors influence enteropathogen transmission.
- Further research into environmental impacts on pathogen distribution is warranted.
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: Aiming a better understanding of the distribution of enteropathogens in Brazil, we have investigated the prevalence of enteropathogens in acute infantile diarrhea in children of low economic level from São José do Rio Preto, SP.METHODS: A prospective study with 196 children under age five, all with diarrhea, and 33 control subjects was conducted at Hospital de Base de São José do Rio Preto during 1995. This Hospital is associated to a Medicine School and offers free assistance to patients of low economic level who live in the area. RESULTS: Enteropathogens were identified in 48% of the cases and 27% of the controls. Shigella species were isolated in 21% of the cases, EPEC in 10.7%, Salmonella species in 5.6%. The other enteropathogens studied represented 12 % of the isolate pathogens from case children. In the controls 18.2% of atypical EPEC were isolated. Isolation of Shigella species increased with increasing age of cases and peaked in spring, whereas EPEC was common in early infancy and peaked in spring and winter.CONCLUSIONS: Among São José do Rio Preto children, Shigella species and diarrheiogenic E. coli strains (EPEC, ETEC, EAggEC, EIEC) were isolated throughout the year as a cause of diarrhea bringing children to a medical attention. Most of the pathogens were isolated in spring (mainly Shigella and Salmonella), so the temperature and humidity of the environment must be very important.