Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
08:32
Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates
Published on: February 17, 2023
Gastrointestinal infections in children
1Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA.
Current Opinion in Gastroenterology
|October 13, 2006
Summary
Gastrointestinal infections in children, particularly infectious diarrhea, pose significant global health risks. This review highlights recent research on causes, diagnosis, and treatment, including the role of Helicobacter pylori.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gastrointestinal infections are a leading cause of illness and death in children globally.
- Children in developing nations face higher risks due to poor sanitation and hygiene.
- Even in developed countries, diarrheal illnesses lead to frequent, costly hospitalizations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent significant publications on pediatric gastrointestinal infections.
- To discuss the role of Helicobacter pylori in pediatric gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.
- To summarize current knowledge on H. pylori's natural history, symptoms, and treatment in children.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of key articles published in the past year.
- Synthesis of information on the epidemiology and etiology of infectious diarrhea in children.
- Focused discussion on Helicobacter pylori in pediatric populations.
Main Results:
- Infectious diarrhea causes substantial global child morbidity and mortality.
- Factors influencing infectious diarrhea include age, location, lifestyle, antibiotic use, and immune status.
- Helicobacter pylori is implicated in pediatric gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.
Conclusions:
- Recent research continues to refine our understanding of pediatric gastrointestinal infections.
- Helicobacter pylori is a significant pathogen in children, requiring ongoing study.
- Comprehensive approaches to diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing these infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
01:12Giardiasis
Giardiasis is a globally prevalent intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia or G. intestinalis). This flagellated protozoan is the most frequently identified intestinal parasite in the United States and worldwide. Transmission primarily occurs via the fecal-oral route, with infection arising from ingestion of water or food contaminated with cysts. Individuals in low-resource settings, international travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, daycare...
01:18Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents
Acute diarrhea, a common gastrointestinal disturbance, is characterized by the rapid evacuation of fluid stools, leading to an excessive weight in fluid. This condition typically arises from disorders affecting intestinal water and electrolyte transport. It can be triggered by an increased osmotic load within the intestine, excessive secretion of electrolytes and water, mucosal exudation of protein and fluid, or altered intestinal motility. The primary risks of acute diarrhea are dehydration...
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
01:27Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine
The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...
01:30Other Disorders of Digestive System
The gastrointestinal tract is susceptible to various disorders. If the lower esophageal sphincter is damaged, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the lining. This condition is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (known as heartburn) and may cause chest pain and difficulty swallowing. In the stomach, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, chronic alcohol consumption, bacterial infections such as Helicobacter...