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Aeromonas-associated diarrhea in children
M Challapalli1, B R Tess, D G Cunningham
1Department of Pediatrics, Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60616.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|October 1, 1988
Summary
Aeromonas species, particularly Aeromonas caviae, are a significant cause of diarrhea in young children. This prospective study found Aeromonas in 7.3% of children with diarrhea, often presenting with vomiting, fever, and bloody stools.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Aeromonas species are increasingly recognized as potential enteropathogens.
- Diarrheal diseases remain a major cause of morbidity in young children worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of Aeromonas species in children with diarrhea.
- To identify the specific Aeromonas species involved and their enterotoxin production.
Main Methods:
- A 27-month prospective study involving isolation of Aeromonas species from fecal samples of children with diarrhea and healthy controls.
- Clinical data collection including symptoms, duration of illness, and epidemiological factors.
- Enterotoxin characterization of isolated Aeromonas strains.
Main Results:
- Aeromonas species were isolated from 7.3% of children with diarrhea versus 2.2% of controls.
- Aeromonas spp. were the sole potential bacterial enteropathogens in 32 diarrheal patients.
- Aeromonas caviae was the most frequently isolated species; most isolates produced cytotoxic enterotoxins.
Conclusions:
- Aeromonas species, especially Aeromonas caviae, are an important cause of diarrhea in young children in the study region.
- Symptoms associated with Aeromonas-associated diarrhea include vomiting, fever, and bloody stools.
- The severity of illness did not correlate with specific Aeromonas species or enterotoxin quantity.
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