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Etiology of diarrhea in measles
Abstract:
Thirty-six measles cases with diarrhea were studied with two age and sex matched control groups, measles without diarrhea (75 cases) and acute diarrhea (70 cases). Bacterial pathogens were isolated from 5 out of 36 (13.9%) in measles with diarrhea but rotavirus, coronavirus and parasites were not detected in any case. The bacterial and viral etiology of measles with diarrhea were statistically significant different from the acute diarrhea group (p less than 0.005) and p less than 0.01 respectively) but not from the measles without diarrhea group (p greater than 0.05). 83.3 per cent of cases had diarrhea during 4 days before and after the appearance of rash. Watery diarrhea was frequently observed in this study (63.9%). Although measles virus was not identified in stools, data from this study suggested that measles may be the viral agent causing diarrhea. Watery stools are often observed and the presence of faecal white blood cell may be seen.
Insights
This study suggests measles may cause diarrhea, with most cases occurring around the rash's appearance. Bacterial and viral causes differed significantly from acute diarrhea but not from measles without diarrhea.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Diarrhea is a common complication of measles.
- The specific etiology of diarrhea during measles infection requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiology of diarrhea in children with measles.
- To compare the causes of diarrhea in measles cases with control groups.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study involving 36 measles cases with diarrhea.
- Comparison with 75 measles cases without diarrhea and 70 acute diarrhea cases.
- Microbiological analysis for bacterial pathogens, rotavirus, coronavirus, and parasites.
Main Results:
- Bacterial pathogens found in 13.9% of measles with diarrhea cases.
- No rotavirus, coronavirus, or parasites detected.
- Etiology differed significantly from acute diarrhea (p<0.005 for bacteria, p<0.01 for viruses).
- 83.3% of cases experienced diarrhea within 4 days of rash onset.
- Watery diarrhea observed in 63.9% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Measles may be the viral agent causing diarrhea, despite not being detected in stools.
- Watery stools and fecal white blood cells may be indicative.
- Further research is needed to confirm measles virus as a cause of diarrhea.