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Updated: Nov 11, 2025
06:55
A High-throughput Platform for the Screening of Salmonella spp./Shigella spp.
Published on: November 7, 2018
9.2K
Polymicrobial gastroenteritis in children.
Eleni Vergadi1, Sofia Maraki2, Evangelia Dardamani1
1Department of Paediatrics, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|March 23, 2021
Summary
Bacterial co-infections in children with gastroenteritis were uncommon but linked to younger age and increased hospitalizations. Escherichia coli was the most frequent pathogen involved in these co-infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Co-infections with viral and bacterial enteropathogens can worsen diarrhea severity.
- Limited evidence exists on the clinical significance of bacterial enteric co-infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the rate, type, and impact of bacterial enteropathogen co-infections in children with gastroenteritis.
- To identify associations between bacterial enteropathogens in co-infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of children aged 0-18 years with acute bacterial diarrhea from 1993-2019 in Crete, Greece.
- Analysis of stool cultures to identify single versus multiple bacterial infections.
- Comparison of clinical characteristics and pathogen associations.
Main Results:
- Bacterial co-infections occurred in 2.74% of 1932 children.
- Co-infected patients were younger and had higher hospitalization rates.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most prevalent pathogen in co-infections, particularly strains O127 and O111. Salmonella spp. were least common.
- Positive associations were found between E. coli with Campylobacter spp. and E. coli with Salmonella spp.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial enteropathogen co-infection is most common with E. coli strains.
- Co-infections are associated with increased hospitalization rates and younger patient age.
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