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Epidemiological survey on bacterial, viral and parasitic agents in patients affected by acute enteritis
Abstract:
During the period June 1983-May 1984, faecal specimens from 797 patients with acute enteritis were examined for the presence of bacterial, viral and parasitic agents; 209 (26.2%) enteritic pathogens were identified, of whom 118 (35.4%) in 333 samples from the pediatrics wards. Bacterial agents were detected in 122 (15.3%), viruses in 63 (7.9%) and parasites in 25 (3.1%) of the 797 specimens. LT-producing E. coli, Salmonella and Rotavirus were the most frequent pathogens. Bacterial agents occurred most frequently in the summer and autumnal months, whereas viruses showed two peaks, the first one in summer due to cultivable agents, the second in winter to Rotavirus mainly.
Insights
A study of 797 patients found 26.2% of acute enteritis cases were caused by pathogens. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (LT-producing E. coli), Salmonella, and Rotavirus were the most common infectious agents.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Acute enteritis is a significant cause of illness, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Identifying causative agents is crucial for effective treatment and public health interventions.
- Previous studies highlight the diverse etiology of enteritis, including bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and types of infectious agents causing acute enteritis in a patient cohort.
- To determine the frequency of bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens.
- To analyze seasonal patterns of enteritis-causing agents.
Main Methods:
- Faecal specimens from 797 patients with acute enteritis were collected between June 1983 and May 1984.
- Samples were analyzed for the presence of bacterial, viral, and parasitic agents.
- Pathogen identification included specific assays for common enteritis-causing organisms.
Main Results:
- A total of 209 (26.2%) enteritic pathogens were identified.
- Bacterial agents were detected in 15.3%, viruses in 7.9%, and parasites in 3.1% of specimens.
- Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (LT-producing E. coli), Salmonella, and Rotavirus were the most frequent pathogens. Pediatric wards showed a higher pathogen identification rate (35.4%).
Conclusions:
- Bacterial pathogens were most common in summer and autumn.
- Viral infections peaked in summer (cultivable agents) and winter (Rotavirus).
- The study underscores the diverse microbial causes of acute enteritis and their seasonal variations.