Abstract
In the past, several enteric outbreaks in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2003 caused by Salmonella typhi, a Gram-negative bacterium, have occurred in Armenia. This study describes the demographic, epidemiological, and clinical characteristics of febrile hospitalized patients with intestinal infections in Armenia. Using a chart review study design, medical data from adult patients who were hospitalized at the Nork hospital during 2010–2012 were reviewed. A total of 600 medical charts were reviewed. Of these, 51 % were diagnosed with intestinal infections. Among these patients, 59 % had an intestinal infection of known etiology, with three main pathogens identified: Salmonella sp. (32 %), Shigella sp. (32 %), and Staphylococcus aureus (18 %). After controlling for the calendar year, age in years, and gender, patients detected with Salmonella sp. were more likely to reported the presence of a family member with similar signs or symptoms [odds ratio (OR) 9.0; 95 % CI 2.4–33.7] and the lack of a water tap at home (OR 3.9; 95 % CI 1.7–9.5). Evidence indicates that Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., and S. aureus as the most common etiologies reported among febrile hospitalized patients. A high percentage of patients had intestinal infections of unknown etiology; thus, improvement in laboratory capacity (enabling more advanced tests, such as polymerase chain reaction) would increase the identification of the enteropathogens causing disease in Armenia.
Highlights
In many developing countries, intestinal infections represent the main source of morbidity and pose a significant challenge to public health [1]
After controlling for the calendar year, age in years, and gender, patients detected with Salmonella sp. were more likely to reported the presence of a family member with similar signs or symptoms [odds ratio (OR) 9.0; 95 % confidence intervals (CI) 2.4–33.7] and the lack of a water tap at home
According to the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, Armenia has had since 2010 a strong economic growth, which benefited public health; but the health system remains concentrated in Yerevan, the capital city [6]
Summary
Intestinal infections represent the main source of morbidity and pose a significant challenge to public health [1]. Several epidemiological studies have reported individual-level associations between intestinal infections and risk factors such as contaminated food, non-potable water, close contact with animals, and international travel [2,3,4]. The Republic of Armenia, a country in the South Caucasus region, has an estimated population of 2.9 million, with 65 % living in urban areas. After Armenia gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the economy and the health care system deteriorated. According to the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, Armenia has had since 2010 a strong economic growth, which benefited public health; but the health system remains concentrated in Yerevan, the capital city [6]. Most hospitals, pharmacies, and dental services have been privatized in Armenia
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