Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli in mid-Norway: A prospective, case control study
Ingvild Haugan1,2, Marit Gudrun Husby1, Bjørg Skjøtskift1
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Clinic of Laboratory Medicine, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.
Plos One
|April 18, 2024
Summary
Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) is frequently detected in diarrheal patients, especially those with recent international travel. Domestic EAEC is not linked to diarrhea, and EAEC-positive cases often involve co-infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Molecular methods increase Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) detection in stool samples.
- Clinical relevance of EAEC detection remains debated.
- This study aimed to determine EAEC prevalence and characteristics in diarrheal patients and controls.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the prevalence of EAEC in patients with diarrhea versus healthy controls.
- Identify demographic and travel-related factors associated with EAEC infection.
- Assess the association of EAEC with other enteric pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of fecal samples from diarrheal patients and healthy controls (March 2017-February 2019).
- Real-time multiplex PCR used for pathogen detection.
- Statistical analysis included Pearson chi-squared, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests.
Main Results:
- EAEC detected in 4.6% of diarrheal patients and 2.2% of controls.
- Prevalence was 19.1% in travelers with diarrhea vs. 2.2% in non-travelers.
- Concomitant pathogens found in 64.3% of EAEC-positive diarrheal patients; EAEC-positive patients were younger and more likely to have traveled.
Conclusions:
- EAEC is common in diarrheal patients, particularly with recent international travel.
- Domestically acquired EAEC is unlikely to cause diarrhea.
- EAEC-positive diarrhea with co-infections is associated with younger age and travel history.
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