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A study of enteropathogenic organisms isolated in the public health laboratory, Lusaka
Abstract:
A total of 328 specimens of stools were examined in the Public Health Laboratory during January and February 1973. Enteropathogens were isolated from 117 of these specimens. Besides these, 12 strains of Salmonellae were isolated from blood and 8 from urine. An occasional Salmonella was isolated from the pleural fluid (S. paratyphi A) pus from the knee (S. enteritidis) and from the C.S.F. of an infant (S. paratyphi C.). Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi A are the predominant Salmonella species. No Salmonella paratyphi B has been isolated. Shigella, was isolated with slightly less frequency than Salmonella, and Shigella flexneriis was the predominant species. E. coli 0112/K66 is the most common enteropathogenic E. coli. The majority of the Shigella and Salmonella species are sensitive to the common antibiotics used. The E. coli organisms show multiple resistance to a number of antibiotics.
Insights
This study identified enteropathogens in 117 of 328 stool samples. Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi A were predominant, while E. coli showed multiple antibiotic resistances.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health Laboratory Science
Background:
- Enteropathogenic bacteria pose a significant public health concern.
- Surveillance of bacterial pathogens is crucial for understanding disease epidemiology.
- Antibiotic resistance patterns require continuous monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify enteropathogens in clinical specimens.
- To determine the prevalence of specific Salmonella and Shigella species.
- To assess the antibiotic susceptibility of isolated enteropathogenic E. coli.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 328 stool specimens collected in January-February 1973.
- Isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens from stool, blood, urine, and other fluids.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolated E. coli strains.
Main Results:
- Enteropathogens were detected in 117 specimens.
- Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi A were the most common Salmonella isolates.
- Shigella flexnerii was the predominant Shigella species; E. coli 0112/K66 was most frequent.
- Most Shigella and Salmonella strains were antibiotic-sensitive, while E. coli exhibited multiple resistances.
Conclusions:
- Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi A were the leading Salmonella serotypes identified.
- Shigella flexnerii and enteropathogenic E. coli 0112/K66 were significant findings.
- Emerging antibiotic resistance in E. coli necessitates careful treatment strategies.
