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[Fecal flora in infants at the beginning and the end of hospitalization]
E Torbicka1, E Czerniak, K Rafałowska
1II Klinika Pediatrii Katedry Pediatrii II Wydziału Lekarskiego Akademii Medycznej w Warszawie.
Insights
Potentially pathogenic bacteria are common in the feces of infants and young children without diarrhea, indicating a transient carrier state. This poses a risk for serious infections and hospital-acquired infections in vulnerable young patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The gastrointestinal tract harbors bacteria, but the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in asymptomatic children requires investigation.
- Understanding bacterial carriage in infants is crucial for preventing infectious diarrhea and nosocomial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in the feces of hospitalized children without diarrhea.
- To analyze the relationship between bacterial presence, age, and hospitalization duration.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples were collected from 52 children (5 days to 22 months) at admission and discharge.
- Samples were analyzed for potentially pathogenic bacteria.
- Data were stratified by age subgroups and hospitalization duration.
Main Results:
- Potentially pathogenic bacteria were detected in 87% of children without diarrhea, particularly upon admission.
- A higher prevalence was observed in younger age groups.
- The findings suggest a transient carrier state in these children.
Conclusions:
- The high prevalence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in asymptomatic children highlights a significant risk factor for infectious diarrhea.
- Young children with immature immune systems are particularly vulnerable to developing severe infections.
- These findings underscore the importance of infection control measures to prevent nosocomial spread.
Abstract:
The feces of 52 children without diarrhea, aged from 5 days to 22 months, treated in the Department for various causes was investigated for the presence of that might be the cause of infectious diarrhea. Samples were taken at the beginning and the end of hospitalization. The results were analyzed with reference to 5 age subgroups (1 month, 2-3 months, 4-6 months, 7-12 months, 12-22 months) and duration of hospitalization (3-42 days). The presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in the feces was found in 87% of children without diarrhea, especially at the beginning of hospitalization, which suggests the possible existence of a "transient carrier state". Because of the immaturity of a number of intra-organism mechanisms, the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the alimentary tract in the youngest children, may be a potential danger of developing serious, even generalized disease processes and may constitute an important source of nosocomial infections.