The incidence of Shigella and Salmonella in the stool of pediatric patients

Abstract

Objective: Gastroenteritis is a common illness in the pediatric age group, the causes could be viral, bacterial and fungal. This study was focused on bacterial pathogens like Shigella and Salmonella.Methods: About 1399 stool samples were collected in a period between January 2010 and May 2011 at the child welfare hospital, all the samples were cultured on suitable culture media and then biochemical activities were tested using API-E 20 and sugar fermentation tests, the isolates were sent for sensitivity test with a group of antibiotics.Results: Out of 1399 cases 50 cases only showed a positive growth for Shigella and Salmonella as pathological microorganisms.Conclusion: The incidence of Shigella and Salmonella was considered low when compared to other causes of gastroenteritis among children as enteropathogenic Escherichia coli or viral causes.