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[Research on enteropathogenic bacteria from children with acute diarrhea, in Belo Horizonte, MG]
D M Queiroz1, E N Mendes, F J Penna
1Departamento de Clinica Médica da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais.
Insights
Common enteropathogenic bacteria like Shigella and E. coli caused acute diarrhea in Brazilian children. This study identified key bacterial culprits in young children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, highlighting prevalent pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute diarrhea is a significant health issue in young children, particularly in lower socioeconomic settings.
- Identifying the causative enteropathogenic bacteria is crucial for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of enteropathogenic bacteria in children under 27 months with acute diarrhea.
- To identify specific bacterial agents responsible for diarrhea in this vulnerable population in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples were collected from 80 children under 27 months with acute diarrhea.
- Samples were analyzed for the presence of various enteropathogenic bacteria, including Shigella, E. coli (enterotoxigenic and classic enteropathogenic), and Salmonella.
- Children had no prior antimicrobial therapy.
Main Results:
- Enteropathogenic bacteria were isolated from 46 out of 80 children (57.5%).
- Shigella and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli were the most common isolates, each found in 12 children (15.00%).
- Classic enteropathogenic E. coli (11.25%) and Salmonella (7.50%) were also identified. Mixed infections were present in 8.75% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Shigella and enterotoxigenic E. coli are significant causes of acute diarrhea in young children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in Belo Horizonte.
- The findings underscore the importance of bacterial diagnostics in pediatric diarrhea management.
Abstract:
Enteropathogenic bacteria were searched in feces of 80 children with acute diarrhea from the lower social economical level, all of them younger than twenty seven months old, and without any antimicrobial therapy, in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, from June 1981 to August 1982. The following enteropathogenic bacteria were isolated from 46 children: Shigella in 12 children (15.00%), enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in 12 children (15.00%), classic enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in 9 children (11.25%), Salmonella in 6 children (7.50%). Association of enteropathogenic bacteria were found in 7 children (8.75%). Yersinia enterocolitica and invasive Escherichia coli were not isolated from any patient.