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Published on: November 7, 2018
Acute gastroenteritis caused by multiple enteric pathogens in children
1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Epidemiology and Infection
|December 3, 2008
Insights
Polymicrobial infections, often caused by multiple viruses, are common in children hospitalized with diarrhea. Rotavirus plays a key role, highlighting the need for its control to protect children
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acute diarrhea is a significant cause of childhood hospitalization.
- Understanding the causative agents of diarrhea is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and types of polymicrobial infections in children hospitalized with acute diarrhea in Taiwan.
- To identify the role of specific pathogens, particularly rotavirus, in these infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records for 303 children hospitalized with acute, non-bloody, non-mucoid diarrhea.
- Microbiological testing to identify viral and bacterial pathogens responsible for infections.
Main Results:
- 69 out of 303 children (22.8%) presented with polymicrobial diarrhea.
- Multiple viral infections were identified in 52 children (17.2%), and viral-bacterial co-infections in 17 (5.6%).
- Rotavirus was identified as a major contributor in both polymicrobial categories.
Conclusions:
- Polymicrobial infections are a notable cause of acute diarrhea in hospitalized children.
- Rotavirus is a critical pathogen in pediatric diarrhea, emphasizing the importance of rotavirus vaccination and control strategies in Taiwan.
Abstract:
Of 303 children hospitalized with acute non-bloody, non-mucoid diarrhoea, 69 (22.8%) had polymicrobial infection, including 52 (17.2%) multiple viral infection and 17 (5.6%) viral and bacterial co-infection. Rotavirus had the most important role in both categories; thus the control of rotavirus infection is crucial for maintaining children's health in Taiwan.
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