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[Prevalence of enteropathogenic bacteria in children with acute bloody diarrhea]
G J Suárez-Hoil1, J J Flores-Abuxapqui, M R Heredia-Navarrete
1Laboratorio de Microbiología, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, México.
Insights
Bloody diarrhea in children is often caused by bacterial pathogens. This study found Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli, and Campylobacter in over half of bloody diarrhea cases, highlighting the importance of identifying these infectious agents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acute diarrhea is a common childhood illness.
- Bloody diarrhea can indicate a serious bacterial infection.
- Identifying causative agents is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of bacterial pathogens in children with acute bloody diarrhea.
- To identify specific bacterial species associated with bloody diarrhea in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples from 148 children with acute diarrhea were analyzed.
- Samples were tested for the presence of macroscopic or microscopic blood.
- Bacterial cultures were performed to isolate and identify potential pathogens.
Main Results:
- Blood was detected in 41 (27.7%) of the fecal samples.
- Bacterial pathogens were isolated from 22 (53.7%) of the samples with bloody diarrhea.
- Commonly isolated pathogens included Salmonella enteritidis, Shigella species, enteroinvasive Escherichia coli, and Campylobacter jejuni.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial pathogens are frequently associated with acute bloody diarrhea in children.
- Prompt identification of these pathogens is essential for managing pediatric diarrheal diseases.
- Public health surveillance for these bacteria is important for controlling outbreaks.
Abstract:
Between January to October 1991, were studied 148 samples of feces corresponding to the same number of children with acute diarrhea. In 41 (27.7%) samples, were found macroscopic or microscopic blood. At least one associated bacterial pathogen capable to produce bloody diarrhea was isolated from 22 (53.7%) of these samples. Were isolated five (12.2%) Salmonella strains, all of them were S. enteritidis; nine (22.0%) Shigella: seven S. flexneri, one S. boydii, and other one S. sonnei; two (4.9%) enteroinvasive Escherichia coli strains, and six (14.6%) Campylobacter jejuni strains. A single associated invasive bacterial pathogen was isolated in 13 (31.7%) children. Mixed culture were found in nine children: five (12.2%) children had invasive pathogens association, and four (9.8%) children had invasive and no invasive pathogens association.