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[Prevalence of enteropathogens in children with liquid diarrhea]
J J Flores-Abuxapqui1, G J Suárez-Hoil, M A Puc-Franco
1Laboratorio de Microbiología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mexico.
Insights
In a 1991 study of young children with acute diarrhea in Merida, Mexico, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and rotavirus were the most common enteric pathogens identified. These pathogens were frequently found in watery diarrhea cases without fecal blood.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Context:
- Acute diarrhea is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children aged 0-2 years globally.
- Understanding the specific enteric pathogens causing diarrhea is crucial for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
- This study was conducted in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, during 1991, a period with limited data on pediatric enteric infections in the region.
Purpose:
- To identify the prevalence and types of enteric pathogens in children under two years old presenting with acute diarrhea.
- To analyze the association between specific pathogens and clinical presentation, such as watery diarrhea and fecal blood.
- To provide etiological data for public health interventions targeting childhood diarrhea in the study area.
Summary:
- A total of 148 children (0-2 years) with acute diarrhea were studied. Enteric pathogens were detected in 46.6% of cases.
- Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (17.1%) and rotavirus (14.3%) were the most frequently isolated pathogens.
- Watery diarrhea, often without fecal blood, was commonly associated with enterotoxigenic E. coli and rotavirus.
Impact:
- The findings highlight the significant role of enterotoxigenic E. coli and rotavirus in pediatric acute diarrhea in Merida, Mexico.
- This data can inform targeted therapeutic and preventative measures, including vaccination and improved sanitation.
- Establishes a baseline for future epidemiological studies on childhood diarrheal diseases in the region.
Abstract:
Between january 1 and october 31, 1991 148 samples of feces corresponding to the same number of children with acute diarrhea, aged 0-2 years, admitted to Hospital O'Horan of the Secretariat of Health in the city of Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, were studied. Stools from 105 (70.9%) patients were described as watery diarrhea; from these samples at least one enteric pathogen was detected in 49 (46.6%): a single pathogen was isolated in 37 (35.2%), and mixed infections were observed in 12 (11.4%). We isolated enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in 18 (17.1%) samples; a predominance of strains producing only ST (11.4%) was observed. Rotavirus was detected in 14.3%, Shigella spp in 8.6%, Salmonella spp in 5.7%, Giardia lamblia in 4.8%, Campylobacter jejuni in 3.8%, enteroinvasive E. coli in 2.8%, Entamoeba histolytica in 2.8% and adenovirus in 1.9%. From watery samples, 80 (76.2%) were negative for fecal blood, and these were most frequently associated with enterotoxigenic E. coli (17.5%) and rotavirus (12.5%). E. coli LT+ and rotavirus association was observed in two patients, and E. coli ST+ and adenovirus association was observed in another one.