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Acute gastroenteritis due to double infection with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli or Salmonella and another
Insights
Multiple enteric bacterial pathogens, including enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, were found in infants. Infections with single pathogens led to milder gastroenteritis symptoms and reduced hospitalization compared to multiple infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enteric bacterial pathogens are a significant cause of infant gastroenteritis.
- Concomitant infections can complicate disease presentation and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and clinical impact of multiple enteric bacterial pathogens in infants.
- To compare the clinical course of gastroenteritis caused by single versus multiple pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Stool cultures were analyzed from 18 infants under 6 months over 7 years.
- Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (O119) and other enteric bacteria were identified.
- Clinical data including symptoms, dehydration, and treatment needs were recorded.
Main Results:
- Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (O119) was frequently isolated, often with other pathogens.
- Commonly isolated pathogens included Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, and Aeromonas hydrophila.
- Infants with single-agent infections experienced milder disease, less dehydration, and shorter hospital stays.
Conclusions:
- Concomitant enteric bacterial infections in infants can lead to more severe gastroenteritis.
- Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (O119) is a notable pathogen in this population.
- Distinguishing single from multiple pathogen infections is crucial for effective infant gastroenteritis management.
Abstract:
Two enteric bacterial pathogens were concomitantly isolated from the feces of 18 infants less than 6 months of age admitted to the Assaf Harofeh Medical Center over a 7-year period. In all but two patients stool cultures grew enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, six of serogroup 0119. The other organisms cultured were Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni and Aeromonas hydrophila. The usual clinical presentation was diarrhea, dehydration and vomiting of acute onset, and low grade fever. Patients with gastroenteritis due to a single agent compared with multiple pathogens had a milder course of disease, a milder degree of dehydration and acidosis, a lesser need for i.v. fluid treatment and shorter hospitalization.