ENTEROPATHOGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI STRAINSFROM DIARRHOEIC STOOLSAMPLES OF CHILDREN BELOW 5 YEARS OF AGE IN DAMATURU, YOBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is an important cause of deaths mostly in infants and young children with diarrhoea worldwide. This study investigated Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strains in diarrhoeic stool samples of children below 5 years of age in Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria. Microscopy, culture and antibiotic susceptibility tests were carried out on stool specimens obtained from children with diarrhoea. All isolated Escherichia coli were investigated for virulence eae and eaf genes of EPEC strains using Polymerase Chain Reaction method. Information on risk factors of diarrhoea was obtained using the questionnaire. Out of 307 children, 154 (50.2%) were male and 153 (49.8%) female, majority 107 (34.9%) were 3 years old. A total of 175 (57.0%) Escherichia coli were isolated, 19 (10.9%) were identified to be enteropathogenic Escherichia coli of these, 17 (89.5%) were atypical (carries eae genes) while only 2 (10.5%) were typical (harbours eaf genes). Multidrug resistance was observed in some of the isolates, the EPEC were resistant to Reflacin (47.4%), Ciprofloxacin (36.8%), Augmentin (36.8%), Septrin (36.8%). The major factor that predispose children to diarrhoea are poor hygiene practices. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent bacterial causing diarrhoea and atypical EPEC is the predominant strain circulating among these children.