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[Epidemiological and etiologic aspects of children acute gastro-enteritis in Kinshasa (author's transl)]

U Omanga, N Mafama, K Valliante

    Medecine Tropicale : Revue Du Corps De Sante Colonial
    |November 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    Acute gastroenteritis in Kinshasa disproportionately affected malnourished children under three years old. Salmonella was the primary bacterial pathogen, with nearly all strains showing multidrug resistance, contributing to an 8% mortality rate.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Microbiology

    Context:

    • A retrospective study was conducted at Kinshasa University Hospital's Pediatric Clinic between 1972 and 1974.
    • Acute gastroenteritis represented 18% of hospital admissions during the study period.

    Purpose:

    • To investigate the epidemiology and etiology of acute gastroenteritis in young children.
    • To identify common pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance patterns.

    Summary:

    • The majority of cases (92%) occurred in children under three years old, with 91% being malnourished.
    • Bacterial pathogens were identified in 44% of cases, predominantly Salmonella (two-thirds of bacterial isolates).
    • A concerning 99% of Salmonella strains exhibited resistance to one or more antibacterial drugs.

    Impact:

    • The study highlights the severe impact of acute gastroenteritis on vulnerable populations in Kinshasa.
    • High rates of antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella pose significant treatment challenges.
    • The findings suggest potential contributing factors like measles and malnutrition to adverse clinical outcomes, with an 8% mortality rate observed.

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