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Association of enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis with childhood diarrhoea
1Division of Microbiology & Clinical Medicine, National Institute of Cholera & Enteric Diseases, Calcutta.
Insights
Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) was found in a small percentage of children with diarrhoea. While ETBF can cause mild, watery diarrhoea in young children, it is not a significant cause of childhood illness in this region.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Childhood diarrhoea remains a significant health concern globally.
- Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) is a potential pathogen implicated in diarrhoeal diseases.
- Understanding the prevalence and clinical significance of ETBF in specific populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) and childhood diarrhoea.
- To determine the prevalence of ETBF in children with diarrhoea compared to healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based study was conducted involving pediatric patients and age-matched controls.
- Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) was isolated and identified from stool samples.
- Clinical data, including stool consistency and severity of illness, were collected.
Main Results:
- ETBF was isolated from 6.0% of children with diarrhoea and 1.7% of controls.
- ETBF was predominantly found in children aged 1-5 years.
- The diarrhoea associated with ETBF was characterized as secretory, watery, and mild in severity.
Conclusions:
- Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) may play a role in childhood diarrhoeal illness.
- ETBF does not appear to be a major cause of diarrhoea in the studied population.
- Further research may be warranted to explore the epidemiology of ETBF in different geographical regions.
Abstract:
This study was conducted in a hospital setting to determine whether enterotoxigenic strains of Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) were associated with childhood diarrhoea. ETBF was isolated from 6 (2.6%) of 226 patients and 3 (1.7%) of 172 controls and was found mostly in children between 1-5 yr of age. The syndrome associated with ETBF was secretory in nature with watery diarrhoea and of mild severity. ETBF may be associated with diarrhoeal illness in children but is not a major problem in this part of the country.