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Salmonella responsible for infantile gastroenteritis in Mosul, Iraq
W J al-Rajab1, B A Abdullah, A Y Shareef
1Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Mosul, Iraq.
Insights
Salmonella bacteria are a significant cause of acute diarrhoeal illness in infants and young children. This study in Iraq highlights the prevalence of Salmonella species, particularly in children under two years old.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Paediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute diarrhoeal illness is a major health concern in infants and children.
- Salmonella species are known pathogens causing gastrointestinal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the aetiological role of Salmonella in acute diarrhoeal illness among children admitted to Mosul Paediatric Hospital.
- To identify prevalent Salmonella species and their antibiotic susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted on paediatric patients with acute diarrhoea.
- Bacteriological cultures were performed to isolate and identify Salmonella species.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out on isolated strains.
Main Results:
- Salmonella was isolated from 18 patients, predominantly those under 2 years old (75.6% of the total sample).
- Key Salmonella species identified included Salm. typhimurium and Salm. worthington.
- Most isolated strains showed sensitivity to chloramphenicol and tetracycline.
Conclusions:
- Salmonella species are important causative agents of diarrhoeal disease in infants and children in the studied region.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment are crucial for managing Salmonella-related diarrhoea.
Abstract:
The aetiological role of salmonella in acute diarrhoeal illness in infants aged between 4 weeks and 7 years admitted to the Mosul Paediatric Hospital (North Iraq) was studied. Patients consisted of 63 males and 48 females. Almost all (18) salmonella positive cultures were isolated from patients under 2 years old who comprised 84 (75.6%) of the total sample. A wide variety of species of salmonella were found with Salm. typhimurium and Salm. worthington predominating. Most of the strains were sensitive to chloramphenicol and tetracycline. This study emphasizes the importance of high rates of Salmonella spp. as potential causes of diarrhoeal disease in infancy and children.