CONTAMINATION OF NEWBORNS WITH ENTEROPATHOGENS

Abstract

Fecal excretion of enteropathogens was studied in breastfed newborns (NB) of low high socioeconomic levels (SEL) born vaginally or by delivery cesarean section. Within the first 7 days of life 5 samples were collected for rotavirus detection (ELISA, electronmicroscopy and gel electrophoresis in 225 NBs; 5 samples were obtained in 57 of the 225 NBs for enteropathogenic bacteria (routine laboratory techniques); and 3 samples were collected in 39 of the 225 to identify enteroparasites (Burrow's technique). Nearly all samples from the high SEL were collected while the NBs were still in the maternity wards; in the low SEL, samples obtained between days 4 and 7 were collected at home. At least one enteropathogen was detected in 21% of all BNs (4.4% rotavirus, 14% enteropathogenic bacteria and 2.6% enteroparasites). No significant differences were observed in relation to SEL or type of delivery, except for rotavirus (p<0.01). 90% of NBs testing positive for rotavirus were from a low SEL, born by cesarean section and on the same maternity ward during winter 1985. Rotavirus detected included complete and single shell viral particles and cores found between days 4 and 7 of life. All rotavirus detected shared the same electrophoretic pattern which were also found in infants admitted at the same time for acute diarrhea. 9 enteropathogenic bacterial strains were isolated between days 3 and 7 in 8 NBs (5 E.coli classic serotypes; 1 toxigenic E.coli, 1 S.paratyphi, 2 Campylobacter coli). G.lamblia was identified in one NB of high SEL whose mother had negative fecal parasitological studies. Fecal excretion of enteropathogens lasted for up to 3 days, ceased spontaneously and had no apparent repercussions on the NBs, who remained asymptomatic. Financed by I.D.R.C., Canada, (Grant 3-P-84-0099).