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Prevalence of cholera in pediatric patients with acute dehydrating diarrhea

Vijesh S Kuttiat1, Rakesh Lodha, Bimal Das

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|February 6, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Cholera is a significant cause of acute watery diarrhea in children in urban North India. The hanging drop test is a valuable diagnostic tool in emergency settings for identifying this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Acute dehydrating diarrhea is a common pediatric emergency in North India.
  • Timely diagnosis of cholera is crucial for effective management and public health.
  • Limited data exists on the prevalence of culture-confirmed cholera in this region.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of culture-confirmed cholera in children with acute dehydrating diarrhea.
  • To evaluate the utility of the hanging drop test for rapid cholera diagnosis.
  • To identify risk factors associated with cholera in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study of 145 children with acute dehydrating diarrhea was conducted.
  • Stool samples were analyzed for Vibrio cholerae culture and hanging drop motility.
  • Sensitivity and specificity of the hanging drop test were calculated.

Main Results:

  • Vibrio cholerae was isolated in 24.8% of patients.
  • The hanging drop test was positive in 33.7% of cases.
  • Severe dehydration and positive hanging drop test were significantly associated with higher odds of cholera.

Conclusions:

  • Cholera is a major cause of acute watery diarrhea in pediatric patients in urban North India.
  • The hanging drop test demonstrates good sensitivity and specificity for emergency diagnosis.
  • Early consideration of cholera is vital for children with severe dehydration.
Abstract

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