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Childhood shigellosis: clinical and bacteriological study
A S Daoud1, M Zaki, G al-Mutairi
1Department of Paediatrics and Clinical Laboratory, Farwaniya Hospital, Kuwait.
The Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Shigellosis in Kuwaiti children often led to generalized convulsions, which were typically benign. Antimicrobial resistance was high, suggesting a need for better antibiotic stewardship, especially in developing nations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Shigellosis is a significant cause of childhood gastroenteritis globally.
- Antibiotic resistance in Shigella strains poses a growing public health challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Shigella infections in hospitalized children in Kuwait.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 93 children hospitalized with shigellosis in Kuwait during 1988.
- Identification of Shigella species and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Main Results:
- Shigella flexneri was the most common isolate (54%), followed by S. sonnei (39%) and S. boydii (7%).
- Fifteen percent of patients experienced generalized convulsions, which were self-limiting.
- High rates of antimicrobial resistance were observed, with 56% resistant to three or more agents.
Conclusions:
- Shigellosis in this cohort presented with significant antimicrobial resistance.
- The high prevalence of resistance underscores the need for judicious antibiotic use and improved control measures, particularly in developing countries.