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[Survey of diarrhoea survey in Kosovo Mitrovica. August 2001]

Irina Quamilè1, François Rogerie, Marc Grandadam

  • 1Hôpital sud de Mitrovicè Kosovo.

Sante (Montrouge, France)
|March 27, 2010
PubMed

Insights

A 2001 Kosovo Mitrovica survey found Giardia duodenalis in 40% of children with diarrhea. Poor hygiene, not water, was the likely cause, with Shigella sonnei and E. coli also identified.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • An increase in childhood diarrhea cases was observed in Kosovo Mitrovica in spring 2001.
  • Retrospective data indicated a rise in diarrhea cases associated with Giardia duodenalis isolation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the causes of a diarrhea outbreak in children in Kosovo Mitrovica.
  • To identify the specific pathogens responsible for the observed increase in diarrheal illnesses.

Main Methods:

  • A survey was conducted involving the city health department, GISPE association, and a French medical laboratory.
  • Stool samples from 45 children with diarrhea consulting at a local hospital were analyzed.
  • Microbiological analyses included examination for Giardia, helminthes, cryptosporidia, Shigella sonnei, and E. coli.

Main Results:

  • Giardia cysts and trophozoites were detected in 40% of the analyzed stool samples.
  • No cases of helminthes or cryptosporidia infections were found.
  • Three strains of Shigella sonnei and E. coli pathovars in 11 patients were isolated; S. sonnei was previously unidentified in the region.

Conclusions:

  • The diarrhea outbreak was likely linked to persistent poor hygiene conditions, despite water supply rehabilitation in 1999.
  • Giardia duodenalis was a significant pathogen, but co-infections with S. sonnei and E. coli were also noted.
  • Strengthening public laboratory and healthcare facility capacity in the province is recommended.

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