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Circulation flow of enteropathogenic bacteria in institutionalized children. I. An epidemiologic study
1Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Departamento de Bacteriologia, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
Insights
This study investigated enteropathogenic bacteria in institutionalized children and staff in Rio de Janeiro. Environmental contamination and Escherichia coli (EPEC) were key factors in enteric infection transmission.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Enteropathogenic bacteria pose a significant threat in institutional settings.
- Understanding transmission dynamics is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the circulation and maintenance of enteropathogenic bacteria.
- To identify prevalent agents and transmission routes in an institutionalized population.
Main Methods:
- Faecal cultures and serological tests were performed on children and adult staff.
- Environmental samples were analyzed for faecal contamination.
- Subjects were divided into groups based on health status and admission period.
Main Results:
- Positive faecal cultures were observed in 35.2% (Group A), 39.1% (Group B) children, and 19.7% (Group C) adults.
- Significant faecal contamination (up to 30%) was found in environmental samples.
- Escherichia coli (EPEC) was identified as the prevalent agent through isolation and antibody levels, while Shigella predominated in serological tests.
Conclusions:
- The institution's environment likely fostered bacterial transmission.
- Escherichia coli (EPEC) and Shigella were significant agents in enteric infections.
- The institution plays a crucial role in the epidemiology and transmission of enteric infections.
Abstract:
The circulation flow and maintenance of enteropathogenic bacteria were studied from May 1982 to April 1983 in a population of institutionalized children and adult staff contacts in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Subjects were assigned to three groups: A and B, included, respectively, 105 and 46 children with diarrhea who were admitted in the institution in different periods, and group C with 82 adult contacts. Faecal cultures were positive in 35.2%, 39.1% and 19.7% of subjects of groups A, B, and C, respectively. It suggests that the transmission was probably fostered by the environment because of as high as 30% of faecal contamination was found in environmental samples. Higher rate of isolation and elevated antibodies levels pointed out that Escherichia coli (EPEC) was the prevalent agent. Shigella predominated in the serological tests. These findings suggest that the institution itself may play an important role in the epidemiology and transmission of enteric infections in the community.