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Bacterial pathogens associated with diarrhoea on the island of Crete
G Samonis1, S Maraki, A Christidou
1Department of Clinical Bacteriology - Parasitology - Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Abstract:
Stool specimens from 3,600 diarrhoeal patients from the island of Crete, Greece, were examined for bacterial pathogens, during a three-year period (1992-1994). One or more pathogens were identified in 826 patients (22.9%), more often from children. Salmonella spp. were the most frequently isolated organisms in 13.6% of the patients, followed by Campylobacter in 4.7%, and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) in 3.9%. Yersinia enterocolitica was found in 0.7%, Shigella spp. in 0.7% and Aeromonas hydrophila in 0.05%. Vibrio spp. and enterohaemorragic E. coli were not identified in the stools tested. Resistance to ampicillin was observed in 36% of the Salmonella, 62% of the Shigella, and 27% of the EPEC isolates. Cotrimoxazole resistance was observed in 42% of the Shigella and 12% of the EPEC isolates, while tetracycline and the quinolones were inactive against almost half and erythromycin against 20% of the Campylobacter isolates. This is the first study investigating bacterial pathogens associated with diarrhoea on the island of Crete.
Insights
This study identified bacterial pathogens in 22.9% of 3,600 diarrhoeal patients on Crete. Salmonella spp. were most common, with significant antibiotic resistance observed in several bacterial species.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Diarrhoea remains a significant health concern globally, particularly in regions with varying sanitation and healthcare access.
- Bacterial pathogens are a major cause of diarrhoeal disease, necessitating ongoing surveillance and characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacterial pathogens causing diarrhoea on the island of Crete.
- To establish a baseline for future epidemiological studies and inform public health interventions in the region.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 3,600 stool specimens collected from diarrhoeal patients in Crete between 1992 and 1994.
- Bacteriological examination to identify common enteric pathogens.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolated bacterial strains.
Main Results:
- Bacterial pathogens were identified in 22.9% of patients, with Salmonella spp. (13.6%) being the most prevalent, followed by Campylobacter (4.7%) and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) (3.9%).
- Significant antimicrobial resistance was noted: 36% of Salmonella, 62% of Shigella, and 27% of EPEC isolates were resistant to ampicillin.
- High resistance rates were also observed for cotrimoxazole, tetracycline, quinolones, and erythromycin in specific bacterial groups, particularly Campylobacter.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first comprehensive data on bacterial diarrhoeal pathogens and their antibiotic resistance profiles on Crete.
- The findings highlight the need for targeted surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship programs to manage infectious diarrhoea effectively in the region.