Age-specific prevalence of diffusely adherent Escherichia coli in Brazilian children with acute diarrhoea

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Liliana C Spano1, Ana Daniela I Sadovsky2, Paula N Segui1

  • 1Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil.

Journal of Medical Microbiology
|February 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli, particularly Diffusely Adherent E. coli (DAEC), were identified in Brazilian children. DAEC was significantly more prevalent in children with diarrhea, suggesting its role as a potential pathogen in this age group.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) are significant causes of childhood diarrhea globally.
  • Understanding the prevalence and types of DEC in specific regions is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of different diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli pathotypes in children under two years of age in Vitória, Brazil.
  • To determine the association of specific DEC pathotypes with diarrhea in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study analyzing stool specimens from children with and without diarrhea (n=304).
  • Colony blot hybridization using specific DNA probes to detect EPEC, ETEC, EIEC, EAEC, DAEC, and EHEC/STEC.
  • Statistical analysis to compare pathogen prevalence between cases and controls.

Main Results:

  • Diarrhoeagenic E. coli were detected in 30.3% of children; 33.0% with diarrhea and 23.2% without.
  • Diffusely Adherent E. coli (DAEC) was the most frequent pathotype, found significantly more often in children with diarrhea (18.3%) than controls (8.1%).
  • Typical EPEC and EIEC were found only in children with diarrhea, while ETEC, atypical EPEC, and EAEC showed varied prevalence.

Conclusions:

  • DAEC should be considered a potential pathogen causing diarrhea in young children in Vitória, Brazil.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific role and mechanisms of DAEC in pediatric gastroenteritis in this region.

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