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Enteric pathogens in malnourished children with diarrhoea
R Kakai1, I A Wamola, J J Bwayo
1National Public Health Laboratory Services, Ministry of Health, Nairobi.
East African Medical Journal
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Malnutrition in children under five increases the risk of certain enteric infections like Campylobacter and ETEC-LT. Diarrhea in malnourished children often has unknown causes, possibly due to opportunistic pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Malnutrition is a significant health issue in children under five.
- Enteric infections are a common cause of illness and mortality in this age group.
- Understanding the relationship between malnutrition and specific enteric pathogens is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of enteric pathogens in malnourished and well-nourished children.
- To investigate the association between malnutrition status and specific enteric infections.
- To explore potential opportunistic pathogens in malnourished children.
Main Methods:
- Stool samples were collected from 273 children under five at Kenyatta National Hospital.
- Pathogen detection included ELISA for Rotavirus, culture for Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli, and Campylobacter.
- Identification involved biochemical tests and serotyping.
Main Results:
- Campylobacter, ETEC-LT, and T. hominis were more prevalent in malnourished children.
- Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and Salmonella+ETEC-LT were more common in well-nourished children.
- A higher proportion of malnourished children had diarrhea of unknown etiology.
Conclusions:
- Campylobacter and T. hominis may act as opportunistic infections in malnourished children due to immunosuppression.
- The higher rate of unknown etiology diarrhea in malnourished children suggests other unidentified pathogens.
- Findings highlight the complex interplay between malnutrition and enteric infections in young children.