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[Infectious agents in diarrhea of hospitalized children in Costa Rica]
Insights
Common causes of childhood diarrhea include Shigella, toxigenic Escherichia coli, and rotaviruses. Bacterial diarrheas presented more severe symptoms than viral ones, with rotaviruses peaking in winter months.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Context:
- Diarrheal diseases are a significant cause of hospitalization in children.
- Identifying causative agents is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
- This study investigated common pathogens in hospitalized children with diarrhea.
Purpose:
- To identify the prevalence of bacterial and viral pathogens in children hospitalized with diarrhea.
- To compare the clinical presentation and severity of bacterial versus viral diarrhea.
- To analyze the seasonal patterns of rotavirus infection.
Summary:
- Shigella, toxigenic Escherichia coli, and rotaviruses were frequently identified in hospitalized children with diarrhea.
- Bacterial diarrheas generally exhibited a more severe clinical picture compared to viral infections.
- Rotavirus prevalence increased significantly during winter months (December-January).
- Respiratory symptoms were more common in rotavirus-associated diarrhea, which often included vomiting and fever.
Impact:
- Provides data on the etiological agents of childhood diarrhea in the studied population.
- Highlights the distinct clinical characteristics of bacterial and viral diarrheal illnesses.
- Informs public health strategies for managing and preventing diarrheal diseases in children, particularly during peak rotavirus seasons.
Abstract:
Shigella, toxigenic Escherichia coli (stable toxin) and rotaviruses were frequently found among 50 children hospitalized with diarrhea studied during one year. These agents were less common among 45 controls without diarrhea, of comparable age and from the same wards as the cases reported. There was a greater frequency of respiratory symptoms in the diarrhea associated with rotaviruses. These were characterized by frequent bowel movements and vomiting and often fever. The bacterial diarrheas showed, in general, a more severe clinical picture than the viral ones. The rotaviruses had a low endemic level during April-October, but their prevalence increased in December and January; in such months these viruses were found in more than 50 per cent of the diarrheal cases.