Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026
Using Luciferase to Image Bacterial Infections in Mice
Published on: February 18, 2011
Acute Bacterial Gastroenteritis as a Healthcare-Associated Infection in Pediatrics
Petronela-Cristina Chiriac1, Letiția-Doina Duceac2, Alina Manole3
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova.
Insights
Acute gastroenteritis remains a significant threat to young children, particularly in developing regions. This study analyzed healthcare-associated infections in Romanian pediatric patients, highlighting common pathogens and the need for robust control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acute gastroenteritis is a preventable disease but remains a major cause of pediatric mortality, especially in developing countries.
- Diarrheal diseases are a leading cause of death in children under five globally.
- This study focuses on acute gastroenteritis as a healthcare-associated infection (HAI) in a pediatric hospital in Romania.
Observation:
- A descriptive study analyzed 615 cases of acute bacterial gastroenteritis as HAIs between 2012 and 2016.
- The peak incidence of cases was observed in 2015.
- Campylobacter and Salmonella spp. were the most frequently reported pathogens, particularly affecting infants and young children.
Findings:
- Male gender was predominant, though not statistically significant.
- Campylobacter infections were most common in pediatric wards, especially in infants (0-1 years) and children aged 2-6 years.
- Salmonella spp. also contributed significantly to the burden of HAIs.
Implications:
- Effective management of HAIs, including acute gastroenteritis, is crucial in pediatric emergency hospitals, especially in regions with developing rural areas.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration among surveillance professionals, clinicians, epidemiologists, and microbiologists is essential.
- Preventing the burden of HAIs and combating antimicrobial resistance should be a primary focus.
Abstract:
Despite the fact that acute gastroenteritis can be prevented, the disease still affects children, especially under the age of two. The increased levels of pediatric mortality in most developing regions make diarrheal diseases one of the most common causes of death in the children under the age of 5. The purpose of the study was to describe the cases of acute gastroenteritis reported as healthcare-associated infections in a pediatric hospital deserving the north-eastern urban and rural regions of Romania.
Material And Methods:
A descriptive study was conducted on a group of 615 cases with acute bacterial gastroenteritis as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), reported in "Sf. Maria" Emergency Hospital for Children, Iași, between 2012 and 2016.
Results:
Most cases of acute bacterial gastroenteritis were registered in 2015 (154 cases-25.04%), and the lowest in 2012 (12.84%). Male gender prevailed in almost all years of study, with no statistical significance (p≥0.05). Gastroenteritis with Campylobacter was most commonly reported in pediatric wards, especially in infants of 0-1 years old and children aged of 2-6 years. Cases of HAIs with Salmonella spp were also frequent.
Conclusions:
A competent management of HAIs especially as acute gastroenteritis in an emergency hospital for children from a region that includes developing rural areas, should be the most important issue for professionals involved in surveillance and control strategies, as well as clinicians, epidemiologist and microbiologist, in order to prevent HAIs burden occurrence and avoid antimicrobial resistance.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.
01:17Healthcare Agencies II
Parish nursing is a growing specialty nursing profession that focuses on holistic healthcare, health promotion, and illness prevention. It blends professional nursing practice with a health ministry, focusing on health and healing within the context of a Christian community. Parish nurses serve as health educators, referral sources,...
01:11Secondary Healthcare System
01:21Tertiary Healthcare System
01:18Healthcare Agencies I