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Gastroenteritis in children significantly decreased in Dublin between 1981 and 1987, with fewer E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella infections. Hospital stays for pediatric gastroenteritis were also reduced.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Epidemiology of gastroenteritis
Background:
- Gastroenteritis is a common childhood illness.
- Understanding causative agents and trends is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the epidemiology of childhood gastroenteritis in 1987 with a previous study from 1981.
- To identify changes in causative organisms and seasonal patterns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric gastroenteritis cases admitted to a Dublin isolation unit.
- Comparison of data from 1987 (1621 admissions) with 1981 (1770 admissions).
Main Results:
- Significant decline in E. coli (10.1% vs 22.6%), Salmonella spp. (3.0% vs 4.9%), and Shigella spp. (1.7% vs 4.9%).
- Emergence of Cryptosporidium (4% of cases), primarily in rural children.
- Shift in peak incidence from late summer/early autumn to late winter.
- Reduced average hospital stay from 18.3 to 9.5 days.
Conclusions:
- The pattern of pediatric gastroenteritis in Ireland has shifted, mirroring trends observed in other developed nations earlier.
- Changes suggest evolving etiological factors and potentially improved management or prevention strategies.
Abstract:
A study was made of gastroenteritis and the causal organisms in children under 14 years admitted to a large Dublin isolation fever unit in 1987. The findings were compared with a similar study at the hospital in 1981. In 1621 admissions in 1987 (1770 in 1981), there was a significant drop in the incidence of E. coli (10.1% vs. 22.6% in 1981), Salmonella spp. (3.0% vs. 4.9%) and Shigella spp. (1.7% vs. 4.9%). Cryptosporidium was identified in 4% of cases in 1987, mainly from rural backgrounds. The peak incidence of total cases was in late winter compared with the 1981 peak in late summer/early autumn. The length of stay in hospital fell significantly (9.5 vs. 18.3 days). This change in the pattern of gastroenteritis in Ireland has already been described in other developed countries 15-20 years ago.