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Updated: Jul 2, 2026

A High-throughput Platform for the Screening of Salmonella spp./Shigella spp.
06:55

A High-throughput Platform for the Screening of Salmonella spp./Shigella spp.

Published on: November 7, 2018

Factors associated with acute diarrhoea in children in Dhahira, Oman: a hospital-based study

P K Patel1, J Mercy, J Shenoy

  • 1Department of Health Affairs, Epidemiology Section, Director-General of Health Services, Ministry of Health, Dhahira, Oman. pakki_kp@hotmail.com

Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal = La Revue De Sante De La Mediterranee Orientale = Al-Majallah Al-Sihhiyah Li-Sharq Al-Mutawassit
|August 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial infections, primarily Shigella and Salmonella, caused 15.2% of childhood diarrhea cases in Dhahira. Most infections occurred in children under five, with low antibiotic resistance observed.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

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

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the bacterial causes of diarrhea in children under 12 years old in Dhahira.
  • To analyze the clinical associations and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of identified bacterial pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study of 856 children admitted with diarrhea between 2000 and 2002.
  • Bacterial culture and identification of stool samples.
  • Analysis of clinical symptoms and antibiotic prescription data.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial etiology was identified in 15.2% of cases.
  • Shigella (10.6%) was the predominant pathogen, with Sh. sonnei being the most common serogroup.
  • Salmonella (2.1%) was also identified.
  • Shigella infections were linked to fever, bloody stools, and cramps.
  • Salmonella infections were associated with cramps.
  • Low resistance to commonly tested antibiotics was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Shigella and Salmonella are significant bacterial causes of childhood diarrhea in Dhahira.
  • Clinical symptoms can help differentiate between Shigella and Salmonella infections.
  • Low antibiotic resistance suggests current treatment regimens are likely effective.

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