Related Experiment Videos
Microbial etiology of acute gastroenteritis in hospitalized children in Kuwait
S K Sethi1, F A Khuffash, W al-Nakib
1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat.
Insights
This study identified common viral and bacterial causes of acute gastroenteritis in hospitalized children. Bacterial infections were generally more severe than viral ones, aiding in early diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acute gastroenteritis is a significant cause of childhood hospitalization.
- Identifying causative agents is crucial for effective management and public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiologic agents of acute gastroenteritis in hospitalized children.
- To differentiate clinical features between viral and bacterial gastroenteritis.
Main Methods:
- A 15-month investigation of 621 hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis and 152 controls.
- Identification of common viral agents (rotaviruses, enteric adenoviruses) and bacterial pathogens (Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Shigella, Aeromonas).
Main Results:
- Enteropathogens were found in 86% of patients versus 10% of controls.
- Rotaviruses (45%) and Salmonella serotypes (24%) were the most common agents.
- Bacterial gastroenteritis presented with more severe symptoms, including bloody stools and shock, compared to milder viral cases.
Conclusions:
- Distinct clinical features differentiate bacterial from viral gastroenteritis in children.
- Early identification of causative agents and symptom patterns aids in timely diagnosis and treatment initiation.
Abstract:
During a period of 15 months 621 hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis and 152 control children were investigated for etiologic agents of the disease. Putative enteropathogens were identified in 86% of the patients and 10% of the controls. Common viral agents associated with gastroenteritis among children included rotaviruses (45%) and enteric adenoviruses (4%). Bacterial pathogens infecting children were Salmonella serotypes (24%), enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (9%), Campylobacter jejuni (7%), enteropathogenic E. coli (7%), Shigella (4%) and enterotoxigenic Aeromonas sp. (1%). The highest incidence of infections was observed in the 3- to 25-month age group. Mixed infections were observed in 12% of the patients. Viral gastroenteritis was clinically mild and of short duration. Upper respiratory tract infections, vomiting and watery stools were common features. In contrast bacterial gastroenteritis was more severe; stools were frequently bloody and abdominal pain, cramps, shock, convulsions and milk intolerance were predominant clinical features. Comparative analysis revealed differential features of bacterial and viral gastroenteritis which should help clinicians to make a tentative diagnosis and to start treatment early.