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Enteric pathogens associated with gastroenteritis among children under 5 years in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic
T B Oppong1, H Yang1, C Amponsem-Boateng1
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China.
Insights
Gastroenteritis in African children under 5 is mainly caused by viruses (50.2%), particularly Rotavirus. Bacteria and parasites also contribute, highlighting the need for wider Rotavirus vaccine promotion.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Gastroenteritis poses a significant health threat to children under 5 in Africa.
- Understanding the causative pathogens is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze the etiological agents of gastroenteritis and acute diarrhea in children under 5 in Africa.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search for studies with original etiological data.
- Meta-analysis of pooled results using STATA version 12.0.
- Adherence to Cochrane Collaboration and PRISMA guidelines.
Main Results:
- Viruses were the primary cause (50.2%), followed by bacteria (31.6%) and parasites (12.1%).
- Rotavirus was the most frequent pathogen (29.2%), followed by E. coli (15.6%) and Adenovirus (10.8%).
- Giardia lamblia was the most common parasite (7.3%).
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus remains the leading cause of acute diarrhea in young African children, despite vaccine availability.
- Increased promotion and accessibility of the Rotavirus vaccine are recommended for the region.
Abstract:
Gastroenteritis remains a serious health condition among children under 5 years especially in Africa. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the aetiologic pathogens of gastroenteritis in the region. We did a systematic search for articles with original data on the aetiology of gastroenteritis and acute diarrhoea among children younger than 5 years. Pooled results were extracted and analysed in STATA version 12.0 using random-effects for statistical test for homogeneity following the guidelines provided in the Cochrane Collaboration and Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Overall, viruses accounted for 50.2% of the cases followed by bacteria with 31.6% of the cases. Parasites accounted for 12.1% of the case. Rotavirus was the most common cause of acute diarrhoea in all regions resulting in 29.2% of the cases followed by E. coli (15.6%) of diarrhoeal cases and Adenovirus (10.8%). The most prevalent parasite detected was Giardia lamblia (7.3%). Acute diarrhoea remains rampant with Rotavirus still being the major pathogen responsible for the disease in children less than 5 years old despite the introduction of vaccine. It is recommended that the vaccine should be promoted much more widely in the region.
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