Vertical transmission of enteric pathogens at birth

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neonatal Health

Background:

• Enteric pathogens pose a significant risk to neonatal health, particularly in regions with high prevalence.
• Understanding transmission routes from mothers to infants is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the frequency of enteric pathogen transmission from mothers to their infants at birth in Thailand.
• To identify specific pathogens involved and assess their association with neonatal diarrhea.

Main Methods:

• Stool samples were collected from 75 mothers before delivery and from their infants 24-48 hours postpartum.
• Microbiological cultures were used to isolate and identify various enteric pathogens, including E. coli, enteroviruses, shigella, salmonella, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus.
• Infant clinical data, specifically the presence of diarrhea, was recorded and correlated with pathogen detection.

Main Results:

• Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) was detected in 32% of mothers prior to delivery.
• While mothers frequently carried enteric pathogens, identical pathogen detection in mother-infant pairs was rare.
• Eighteen infants developed diarrhea within 5 days of birth, with enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and EPEC being the most common pathogens identified in these cases.

Conclusions:

• Maternal carriage of enteric pathogens is common in Thailand.
• Vertical transmission of enteric pathogens from mothers to newborns at birth appears to be uncommon.
• Further research is needed to elucidate other potential transmission routes and risk factors for neonatal infections.