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Bacteriological investigations of infantile gastroenteritis in Ife, Nigeria
Insights
Bacterial pathogens like E. coli were identified in infants with gastroenteritis. Most infections occurred in children under two years old, highlighting a vulnerable age group for bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Gastroenteritis is a common illness in infants and young children.
- Identifying bacterial pathogens is crucial for effective treatment and public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of bacterial pathogens in infants presenting with gastroenteritis.
- To determine the common bacterial causes and age distribution of these infections.
Main Methods:
- Rectal swabs were collected from 84 infants (4 weeks to 5 years) with gastroenteritis.
- Bacterial cultures were performed to isolate and identify pathogens.
- Patient demographics, including age and sex, were recorded.
Main Results:
- Bacterial pathogens were isolated from 13 (15.5%) of the infants.
- Enteropathogenic E. coli, Salmonella sp., and Klebsiella pneumoniae were identified.
- The majority of infections (12/13) occurred in children under 2 years old, with the highest rate in the 18-23 month age group.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial gastroenteritis is prevalent in young children, particularly those under two years old.
- Enteropathogenic E. coli is a significant pathogen in this age group.
- Early detection and management of bacterial gastroenteritis in infants are essential.
Abstract:
This study examined rectal swabs of 84 infants aged between 4 weeks and 5 years old, who reported with gastroenteritis at the out-patient department of Ife State Hospital. Patients consisted of 47 males and 37 females. Bacterial pathogens [enteropathogenic E. coli (10 strains), Salmonella sp. (1 strain) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (2 strains)] were isolated from 13 patients. A single pathogen was recovered from each patient. Almost all (12) pathogens were isolated from patients under 2 years old, who comprised 63 (75%) of the total sample. The highest isolation rate (22%) was in the age group 18-23 months, which consisted of 37 (44%) of the study population.