Stool Specimens Of Children Research Articles

Detection of Rotavirus and Enteric Adenovirus among children with Acute Gastroenteritis admitted to Benghazi Pediatric Hospital

Rotavirus A and enteric adenovirus are common causes of acute gastroenteritis (AGE), especially in children under five years of age worldwide. This study aimed to detect the incidence of rotavirus and enteric adenovirus antigens in stool specimens of children with AGE admitted to a Benghazi pediatric hospital between February and April 2019. The presence of rotavirus and adenovirus antigens in the samples was tested using an immunochromatographic method (ICT). Between the 273 stool samples, 119 (43.58%) were positive for viruses causing AGE. Rotavirus 74 (27.1%) was the most frequently detected, followed by adenovirus 45 (16.5%). However, 22 (8.1%) of the samples were detected to be positive for both virus antigens (co-infection)

Антагонистическая активность пробиотиков при кампилобактериозе

Campylobacter species are globally recognized as the most common causative agents of acute intestinal infections. In recent years, Campylobacter spp. have become increasingly resistant to antibiotics, necessitating the search for new methods of treatment. Objective. To evaluate the antagonistic activity of different probiotics and autoprobiotic enterococci against Campylobacter spp. Materials and methods. Clinical isolates of Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni were obtained from the microbial culture collection in the Pediatric Research and Clinical Center for Infectious Diseases, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation. The collection included cryopreserved samples of Campylobacter spp. strains isolated from stool specimens of children with campylobacteriosis. Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103, Bifidobacterium longum PXN 30, Enterococcus faecium L3, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Sacharomyces boulardii, Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus plantarum 8R-A3, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12) at the concentration of 108 CFU/mL were used as probiotic strains. Autoprobiotic (indigenous) strains of E. faecium at the concentration of 108 CFU/mL isolated from stool specimens of children with campylobacteriosis were used as autoprobiotics. Results. No strain of Campylobacter spp. was found to be resistant to the probiotics and autoprobiotics included in the study. Only one strain of C. jejuni 31 was susceptible to all probiotic and autoprobiotic strains. B. animalis subsp. lactis BB12 strains at the concentrations of 109 and 106 CFU showed the highest anti-Campylobacter activity, inhibiting the growth of 36 (85.71%) and 38 (90.48%) isolated Campylobacter species, respectively. High anti-Campylobacter activities were also seen in L. rhamnosus GG and L. reuteri DSM 17938, which inhibited the growth of 29 (69.05%) and 31 (73.81%), 28 (66.67%) and 29 (69.05%) clinical Campylobacter isolates, respectively. In terms of the effectiveness in inhibiting Campylobacter spp., autoprobiotics did not significantly differ from probiotic strains of B. longum + and/or E. faecium SF68, preventing the growth of 35–45% of the studied Campylobacter spp. strains. Conclusion. The use of specially selected probiotic and autoprobiotic strains by in vitro test in campylobacteriosis may contribute to the rapid elimination of pathogens due to the ability of some strains to inhibit the growth of Campylobacter spp. Key words: Campylobacter, probiotics, autoprobiotics, anti-Campylobacter activity

The Simple One-step stool processing method for detection of Pulmonary tuberculosis: A study protocol to assess the robustness, stool storage conditions and sampling strategy for global implementation and scale-up.

The Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert-Ultra) assay provides timely results with good sensitivity and acceptable specificity with stool specimens in children for bacteriological confirmation of tuberculosis (TB). This study aims to optimize the Simple One-Step (SOS) stool processing method for testing stool specimens using the Xpert-Ultra in children and adults in selected health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The study is designed to assess the robustness of the SOS stool method, to help fine-tune the practical aspects of performing the test and to provide insights in stool storage conditions and sampling strategies before the method can be implemented and scaled in routine settings in Ethiopia as well as globally. The project "painless optimized diagnosis of TB in Ethiopian children" (PODTEC) will be a cross sectional study where three key experiments will be carried out focusing on 1) sampling strategy to investigate if the Xpert-Ultra M. tuberculosis (MTB) -positivity rate depends on stool consistency, and if sensitivity can be increased by taking more than one stool specimen from the same participant, or doing multiple tests from the same stool specimen, 2) storage conditions to determine how long and at what temperature stool can be stored without losing sensitivity, and 3) optimization of sensitivity and robustness of the SOS stool processing method by varying stool processing steps, stool volume, and storage time and conditions of the stool-sample reagent mixture. Stool specimens will be collected from participants (children and adults) who are either sputum or naso-gastric aspiration (NGA) and/or stool Xpert-Ultra MTB positive depending on the experiment. Stool specimens from these participants, recruited from 22 sites for an ongoing related study, will be utilized for the PODTEC experiments. The sample size is estimated to be 50 participants. We will use EpiData for data entry and Stata for data analysis purposes. The main analyses will include computing the loss or gain in the Xpert-Ultra MTB positivity rate and rates of non-determinate Xpert-Ultra test results per experiment compared to the Xpert-Ultra MTB result of stool processed according to the published standard operating procedures for SOS stool processing. The differences in the MTB positivity rate by regarding testing more than one sample per child, and using different storage, and processing conditions, will be also compared to the baseline (on-site) Xpert-Ultra result.

Viral infection among children under the age of 5 with diarrhea in Shenyang from 2018 to 2020: A hospital-based study.

Diarrhea is one of the leading causes of death among children, especially in the age under 5, but few studies are available on viral diarrhea in Shenyang. To understand the infection status and the relevant epidemiological characteristics of viral diarrhea and to fill gaps of the distribution of viruses across Shenyang in children under the age of 5 with diarrhea, from 2018 to 2020, stool specimens of children with diarrhea aged 0-59 months and surveillance data were collected in Sentinel Hospital of Shenyang. Specimens were then tested to determine the type of viruses, the seasonal and spatial patterns for major viruses were determined. Viruses were identified in 47.9% of the 897 samples from children with diarrhea. The main viruses of stool samples were rotavirus (16.9%, predominant type G9P[8]), calicivirus (14.7%), adenovirus (11.8%), and astrovirus (4.5%). Viral infections were mainly detected in the age of 0-12 months. In the area of Shenyang, Huanggu had the most cases (198, 22.1%), followed by Dadong (137, 15.3%)and Hunnan (135, 15.1%). The positive rate of viruses varied among patients of different ages, seasons, and regions. Public health entities and the government should develop corresponding measures for different age groups, seasons, and regions.

Evaluation of pancreatic functions in cases of primary and secondary malnutrition

This study assessed pancreatic functions by investigating fecal elastase-1 (FE-1) levels in stool specimens in children with primary and secondary malnutrition. A total of 139 malnourished children who were hospitalized and followed up at a tertiary care pediatrics clinic and 23 healthy children with no known systemic disease or malnutrition were included in this study. Malnourished patients were divided into four groups according to underlying diagnosis including primary malnutrition (N.=51), cystic fibrosis (N.=44), celiac disease (N.=12) and secondary malnutrition (N.=32; remaining patients with various diagnoses). Patient's demographic characteristics and laboratory data were investigated. FE-1 levels of the patients and healthy subjects were evaluated. FE-1 levels in patients with cystic fibrosis, primary malnutrition, and celiac disease, and other patients with secondary malnutrition were significantly lower than those in the control group. Pancreatic enzymes are used due to pancreatic failure in cases of cystic fibrosis, and patients benefit considerably from treatment. This study shows that pancreatic failure may also occur in cases of primary and secondary malnutrition apart from cystic fibrosis, emphasizing the likelihood of pancreatic enzyme support to be useful in terms of pancreatic failure developing secondarily in cases of primary malnutrition.

Evaluation of pancreatic functions in cases of primary and secondary malnutrition

BACKGROUND This study assessed pancreatic functions by investigating fecal elastase-1 (FE-1) levels in stool specimens in children with primary and secondary malnutrition. METHODS A total of 139 malnourished children who were hospitalized and followed up at a tertiary care pediatrics clinic and 23 healthy children with no known systemic disease or malnutrition were included in this study. Malnourished patients were divided into four groups according to underlying diagnosis including primary malnutrition (n=51), cystic fibrosis (n=44), celiac disease (n=12) and secondary malnutrition (n=32; remaining patients with various diagnoses). Patient's demographic characteristics and laboratory data were investigated. FE-1 levels of the patients and healthy subjects were evaluated. RESULTS FE-1 levels in patients with cystic fibrosis, primary malnutrition, and celiac disease, and other patients with secondary malnutrition were significantly lower than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Pancreatic enzymes are used due to pancreatic failure in cases of cystic fibrosis, and patients benefit considerably from treatment. This study shows that pancreatic failure may also occur in cases of primary and secondary malnutrition apart from cystic fibrosis, emphasizing the likelihood of pancreatic enzyme support to be useful in terms of pancreatic failure developing secondarily in cases of primary malnutrition.

Utility of GeneXpert for Direct Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Stool Specimens in Children with Presumptive Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Utility of GeneXpert for Direct Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Stool Specimens in Children with Presumptive Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Helicobacter pylori infection in family members of patients with gastroduodenal symptoms. A cross-sectional analytical study.

Primary Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is acquired predominantly in childhood in the family setting. We aimed to investigate the presence of intrafamilial concurrent H. pylori infection. Cross-sectional analytical study with a control group, conducted in a tertiary care hospital. Fifty adult patients with gastroduodenal symptoms who underwent gastroscopy (index parents), their spouses and their children were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were collected from all of the study subjects to test for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody response. H. pylori antigen was investigated in the stool specimens of children only. The participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of the 40 patients in whom H. pylori infection was demonstrated via endoscopy, their spouses and their children. Group 2 included the remaining 10 patients who underwent endoscopy revealing negative results for H. pylori, their spouses and their children. IgG antibodies were present in all of the index parents, 95% of their spouses and 93% of their children in group 1; 13 of the children (9%) were also positive for H. pylori stool antigen (HpSA). However, IgG antibodies were present in only 2 of the 10 index parents in group 2. One of their spouses and one of their children had a positive antibody response. All of their children had negative stool antigen test results. H. pylori infections exhibit intrafamilial clustering. Parental infection, age ≥ years and having three or more siblings are the major risk factors for H. pylori infection in children.

Enteropathogen detection in children with diarrhoea, or vomiting, or both, comparing rectal flocked swabs with stool specimens: an outpatient cohort study

Enteropathogen detection traditionally relies on diarrhoeal stool samples, but these are inconvenient to collect if they are not immediately available, leading to suboptimum return rates of samples and delayed or missed diagnostic opportunities. We sought to compare the enteropathogen yields of rectal swabs and stool specimens in children with diarrhoea or vomiting, or both. The Alberta Provincial Pediatric EnTeric Infection TEam (APPETITE) did a study in three outpatient cohorts in Calgary and Edmonton (AB, Canada)-children enrolled in the Pediatric Emergency Research Canada emergency departments, children receiving routine vaccinations at a Calgary health clinic, and symptomatic children who met criteria for treatment at home. Eligible participants were children younger than 18 years, with at least three episodes of vomiting or diarrhoea in the preceding 24 h and fewer than 7 days of symptoms. After excluding those enrolled within the previous fortnight, unable to follow-up, or having psychiatric illness, neutropenia, or requiring emergent care, we attempted to collect rectal swabs and stool from all participants. Specimens were tested with the multianalyte assay Luminex xTAG Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel, an in-house five-virus panel and bacterial culture. Primary outcomes were comparative yield (calculated as the proportion of submitted paired specimens only in which at least one pathogen was identified) and overall yield (which calculated the proportion of study participants in whom at least one pathogen was identified in all specimens, where unsubmitted specimens were analysed as negative). We used McNemar's test to do pathogen-specific analyses, and generalised estimating equations (GEE) for the global (ie, any) pathogen analyses, with adjustments made for the presence of diarrhoea, location, and their interactions with specimen type. Between Dec 12, 2014, and Aug 31, 2016, we studied 1519 eligible participants, 1147 (76%) of whom provided stool specimens and 1514 (>99%) provided swab specimens. 871 (76%) of 1147 stool specimens and 1024 (68%) of 1514 swabs were positive for any pathogen (p<0·0001). Comparative yield adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for stool specimens relative to swabs were 1·24 (95% CI 1·11-1·38) in children with diarrhoea at presentation and 1·76 (1·47-2·11) in children without diarrhoea. GEE analysis identified an interaction between the presence of diarrhoea and specimen type (p=0·0011) and collection location (p=0·0078). In an overall yield analysis, pathogen yield was 57% (871 of 1519 children) for stool specimens and 67% (1024 of 1519 children) for rectal swabs, with an unadjusted OR of 0·65 (95% CI 0·59-0·72) for stool relative to swab. Rectal swabs should be done when enteropathogen identification and rapid detection are needed, appropriate molecular diagnostic technology is available, and a stool specimen is not immediately available. In view of their high yield, we urge that the recommendation against the use of rectal swabs as diagnostic specimens be reconsidered. Alberta Innovates-Health Solutions Team Collaborative Research Innovation Opportunity.

High Prevalence of Campylobacter ureolyticus in Stool Specimens of Children with Diarrhea in Japan.

Campylobacter ureolyticus has been considered as a potentially pathogenic bacterium. In this study, a total of 586 stool samples were collected from 0-12-year-old children with diarrhea between November 2013 and April 2015 and examined with microbiological tests in the hospital for the diagnosis of common enteric pathogens including C. jejuni and C. coli. Then in our laboratory, these samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequence-based Campylobacter genus-specific PCR (C16S PCR); 283 (48.3%) samples showed positive results with this PCR assay. Furthermore, C. ureolyticus was screened in these 283 samples by PCR assay, which can detect this species specifically. Surprisingly, C. ureolyticus was detected in 147 of the 283 C16S PCR-positive diarrheal stool samples (51.9%), which is much higher than the prevalence of C. jejuni and C. coli (15.5%), and 96 samples out of 147 were negative for any of the other enteric pathogens tested in the hospital; namely, C. ureolyticus was detected as a single pathogen in 96 samples. This finding suggests that C. ureolyticus may be a pathogen associated with diarrhea in children in Japan. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in which C. ureolyticus was detected among Japanese children with diarrhea.

Tropheryma whipplei: pathogen of Whipple's disease and more

Within the last years the understanding of infection with Tropheryma whipplei was significantly enhanced by improvement of molecular biology, microbiology and immunology. The following entities of infection or carriage, respectively, with T.whipplei must be differentiated: besides in the context of classical Whipple's disease (CWD), the rare chronic infection with T.whipplei (estimated incidence: 1:1,000,000), T.whipplei can be detected more frequently in stool specimens of children with acute gastroenteritis or asymptomatic carriers, or as a cause of isolated endocarditis. However, infection with T.whipplei only rarely results in CWD. T.whipplei was well characterized, raised in vitro and its genome completely sequenced within the last two decades. Very interesting is the resistance of the agent against glutaraldehyde.The histological detection within duodenal biopsies with "Periodic Acid Schiff" (PAS) staining still is first choice for the diagnosis of CWD. Today PCR or immunohistochemistry can identify the agent more specifically. In cases of isolated organ manifestations of e. g. joints or central nervous system the agent needs to be identified from specimen from the affected sites. Successful treatment can be achieved in most of the cases by antimicrobial therapy and first prospective treatment trials are published. However, neuronal CWD still can be progressive lethal and an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) might complicate the course of treatment and in worst case end fatal. Thus, because of the complexity of the disease a specialised reference centre should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of CWD.

Detection of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;H. pylori&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Antigen in the Stool Samples of Children, in Tekirdag, Turkey

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is an important bacterial pathogen, predominantly in undeveloped countries and regions. We conducted this study to investigate the presence of H. pylori antigen in the stool specimens of children, in Tekirdag, Turkey. Material and Methods: Stool specimens of 1441 children aging between 0 month to 15 years, with the complaints of abdominal pain, anemia, gastroenteritis, nausea and vomiting were included in the study. The subjects were divided into three groups based on their ages: Group A (0 month - 5 years), Group B (6 - 10 years) and Group C (11 - 15 years). All specimens were tested for H. pylori antigen with HP Ag (DIA.PRO, Diagnostic Bioprobes, Italy). Results were evaluated statistically. Results: The median age of children with H. pylori positive samples was 6.6 ± 4.1 and 47.9% were girls. Overall positivity of H. pylori stool antigen was 6.6%. Positivity rates due to ages in Groups A, B and C were: 8.9%, 5.8%, 5.2% respectively (x2 = 9.3, p = 0.01). No difference was observed due to gender (x2 = 0.17, p = 0.68). Conclusion: Higher antigen positivity obtained in 0 - 5 years group, indicates the risk of acquiring the infection in early years of life. Preventive measures for the development of H. pylori infection gain importance, especially in developing countries.

Rotavirus Diarrhea among Children in Taiz, Yemen: Prevalence-Risk Factors and Detection of Genotypes.

Diarrheal diseases are a great public health problem; they are among the most causes leading to morbidity and mortality of infants and children particularly in developing countries and even in developed countries. Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children in both developed and developing countries. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence rate of Rotavirus infection, its genotypes, and risk factors among children with diarrhea in Taiz, Yemen. 795 fecal samples were collected from children (less than 5 years old), suffering from diarrhea and attending the Yemeni-Swedish Hospital (YSH) in Taiz , Yemen, from November 2006 to February 2008. Rotavirus was detected by enzyme linkage immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on stool specimens of children. Genotypes of Rotavirus were characterized by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The results showed that 358 (45.2%) were Rotavirus-positive and the most prevalent genotypes were G2P[4] (55%), followed by G1P[8] (15%). In addition, Rotavirus was found through the whole year; however, higher frequency during the summer season (53.4%) and lower frequency during the winter season (37.1%).

Rotavirus genotypes associated with childhood severe acute diarrhoea in southern Ghana: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundRotavirus immunization has been effective in developed countries where genotype G1P[8] is the predominant rotavirus strain. Knowledge of circulating strains in a population before introduction of rotavirus immunization program will be useful in evaluating the effect of the intervention.MethodsRotavirus was identified by enzyme immuno-assay (EIA) on stool specimens of children (age 0 – 59 months) hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis from August 2007 to February 2011 in Accra, Ghana. Rotavirus positive specimens were further characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).ResultsOf the 2277 acute gastroenteritis hospitalizations 1099 (48.2%) were rotavirus-positive by EIA. Of the 1099 cases 977 (89%) were PAGE positive. All EIA positive specimens were further subjected to RT-PCR and 876 (79.7%) had sufficient material for characterization. Of these 876 cases, 741 (84.6%) were assigned G genotype, 709 (80.9%) P genotype, and 624 (71.2%) both G and P genotypes. We identified 8 G genotypes (G1, G2, G3, G4, G8, G9, G10, G12) and 3 P genotypes (P[4], P[6], P[8]). G1 (50.9%), G2 (18.8%), G3 (12.8%), P[8] (36.1%) and P[6] (30.7%) were the most prevalent. The most prevalent genotype combination was G1P[8] (28%). Mixed G (7.3%) and P (24.2%) genotypes were not uncommon. There was year-by-year and seasonal variations for most genotypes.ConclusionThere is great diversity of rotavirus strains in children with severe gastroenteritis in southern Ghana. Even though cross-protection with vaccine-induced immunity occurs, continued strain surveillance is recommended after the introduction of rotavirus vaccine in the national immunization program.

The role of entero-aggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) strains on diarrheic children in some southern States of Nigeria

The role of entero-aggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) strains on diarrheic children in some southern States of Nigeria was carried out in this paired control study. Escherichia coli isolates from stool specimens of children with diarrhea were matched with controls and tested in HEp-2 cell adherence assay. A total of 800 E. coli strains (2 strains for every test subject) from both 250 children with diarrhea and 150 apparently healthy controls were examined for aggregative adhesion using HEp-2 cells. Statistically significant (P<0.05) EAEC strains were obtained from the diarrheic children 40.6% as against 20% from the control. In this study, Bayelsa State recorded the highest isolate with 21.4 vs 12%, followed by Rivers State (10.8% vs 4.0%), then Imo State the least (8.4% vs 4.0%). Children within 4-8 years age range recorded the highest prevalence in the States studied. High prevalence of intestinal parasites were seen on both groups although the diarrheal group had a statistical significant (91% vs 36%) prevalence (P<0.05). The parasites were Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides , hookworm and Trichuris trichuria . This showed that intestinal parasites are also important factor in the etiology of diarrhea in this area. There was mixed infection between parasites and EAEC in 5 test subjects in Bayelsa State, but none in the other States and also none from the control. The entero-aggregative E. coli showed marked resistance to conventional antimicrobial agents like cotrimoxazole, ampicillin and chloramphenicol with 80.3%, 81.2% and 61.6% respectively, while the cephalosporins: cefuroxime and ceftazidime showed low resistance with 3.3% and 4.3% respectively, indicating that the cephalosporins will be a good choice for the empirical treatment of bacterial infectious diarrhea in this region. Keywords: HEp-2 cells, Intestinal parasites, Mixed infection, Antimicrobial agents, Cephalosporins

β-glucuronidase and β-glucosidase Activity in Stool Specimens of Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The aim of the study was to analyze the differences in the activity of beta-glucuronidase and beta-glucosidase in stool specimens of children with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) and healthy subjects. The disease activity was determined according to the PCDAI scale (Crohn disease) and Truelove-Witts scale (Ulcerative colitis). Enzyme activity was determined by spectrophotometry. There was a correlation between the level of beta - glucosidase activity in stool and patient's age in the group of healthy controls, but not in the IBD group. beta-glucosidase activity in IBD and healthy subjects stool specimens did not differ significantly. The activity of beta-glucuronidase in children with IBD was two times lower than in the healthy group and was correlated with age in children with IBD, but not in the group of healthy ones.

Phenotypic assay of adherent &lt;em&gt;E. coli&lt;/em&gt; strains using hep-2 cells on diarrheic children in Rivers State of Nigeria

In this paired case-control study of children with diarrhea in Rivers state, the association between HEp-2&#8211;adherent Escherichia coli strains and diarrhea was examined. Escherichia coli isolates from stool specimens of children with diarrhea were matched with controls and tested in HEp-2 cell adherence assay. A total of 266 E. coli strains (2 strains for every test subject) from both 83 children with diarrhea and 50 apparently healthy controls were examined for virulent traits using HEp-2 cells. Statistically significant (P&lt;0.05) adherent strains were obtained from the diarrheic children 18 (21.7%) as against 5(10%) from the control. While EPEC (3.6% vs 0%) and EAEC (10.8% vs 4%) strains were significantly associated with diarrhea (P&lt;0.05), EPEC was isolated only in children &lt;3 years old while EAEC was more distributed on the age ranges studied. There was no significant association of DAEC (7.2% vs 2%) strains isolated from the test subjects and the control group (P&gt;0.05%). High prevalence of parasites were seen on both groups although the diarrheal group had a statistical significant (26.5% vs 16%) prevalence (P&lt;0.05), this showed that intestinal parasites are also important factor in the etiology of diarrhea in this area. The parasites were mostly seen in older children from both groups and this might be attributed to their wandering, playing and eating habits. No mixed infection between parasites, parasite and adherent E. coli or between two adherents E. coli was observed. The adherent isolates showed poor sensitivity to traditional drugs like Ampicillin, Cotrimoxazole and Chloramphenicol, while Cefuroxime and Ceftazidime showed good sensitivity. These data suggest that EAEC may be a pathotype that is increasing in incidence as a cause of diarrhea in children in these areas.Keywords: Adherent E. coli (DEC); Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC); Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC); Diffusely adherent E. coli (DAEC); Mixed Infections; Intestinal Parasites

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium in Children with Diarrhea in North Indian Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Enteric parasitic protozoan of genus cryptosporidium has become an important cause of diarrhoea in developing countries. It is a cause of acute and persistent diarrhoea in immunocompromised and immunocompetent subjects. Methodology: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. as an enteric pathogen causing diarrhoea in children. 250 stool specimens of children with diarrhoea were examined using staining procedures like modified Ziehl-Neelsen (Z.N.) staining, safranine-methylene blue staining after concentration of stool specimens by formol-ether concentration technique and antigen detection ELISA was performed for diagnosis. Results: Modified Z. N. staining and safranine-methylene blue staining were positive in 21 cases while 29 cases were positive by ELISA. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium in children with diarrhoea was found to be 11.6%. Conclusion: High prevalence as noted in this study advocates need to screen for this parasite as a routine diagnostic measure in patients of diarrhoea.

Analysis of etiology and drug resistance of infectious diarrhea among children in Beijing area in 2009

Objective To investigate the etiology, epidemiologic features and drug resistance tendency of acute infectious diarrhea among children in Beijing area. Methods Enteric pathogenic bacteria were isolated, cultured and identified for serotype from the stool specimens of children with the initial clinical diagnosis of acute bacterial diarrhea in the intestinal clinic from January to October in 2009 ,and the antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria was tested by disk diffusion method. The cluster A rotavirus antigen was also detected by the qualitative technique of immunochromatographic double-antibody sandwich assay. Results Of the 256 stool specimens, 87 strains of 4 species of pathogenic bacteria were detected with the detectable rate of 34. 0% ,of which 2 strains were detected in one stool sample ,including 40 strains of salmonella (46. 0%) ,23 strains of shigella (26. 4%) ,2 strains of diarrheogenic escherichia coli (2. 3%) and 22 strains of staphylococcus aureus (25.3%). The positively detected patients consisted of 54 males and 32 females with the ratio of 1.69∶1 ,of whom 55 cases (64. 0%) were under 2 years of age. Of the 13 strains of shigella, 13 were sonnei shigella (56. 5%). And of the 22 strains of staphylococcus aureus,20 were detected among the infants under 1 year of age. The rates of crug resistance to certain antibiotics were lower in salmonella than in shigella (ampicillin :65. 0% vs. 95.7% ;compound sulfamethoxazole:20. 0% vs. 78. 3% ;ciprofloxacin:7.5% vs.8. 7% ;ceftriaxone: 15.0% vs. 73.9%). Of the 256 stool specimens ,47 were found positive for cluster A rotavirus,of whom 13 were also positive in stool bacteria culture. Conclusion Salmonella is the major pathogen among children with bacterial diarrhea in Beijing in 2009, and sonnei shigella is the main epidemic strains of shigella diarrhea. lnfants under 2 years of age are the susceptible population of the above two species of bacteria, while staphylococcus aureus mainly infect the infants under 1 years of age. Multi-resistance in shigella is still serious. The incidence of mixed infections of bacteria and rotavirus increases in children with infectious diarrhea. Key words: Infectious diarrhea; Etiology; Drug resistance; Rotavirus; Children

Bacteraemia caused by Anaerotruncus colihominis and emended description of the species

Background:Anaerotruncus colihomonis is a newly described bacterial genus and species isolated from the stool specimens of children. Its clinical significance, however, is unknown. Aims: To describe a case of A...