Diarrheagenic E. coli in Children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Author Information
Author(s): Moyo Sabrina J, Maselle Samwel Y, Matee Mecky I, Langeland Nina, Mylvaganam Haima
Primary Institution: Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences
Hypothesis
This study aimed at investigating diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) among children in Dar es Salaam aged less than five years hospitalized due to acute/persistent diarrhea.
Conclusion
The results show a high proportion of DEC among Tanzanian children with diarrhea, with typical EAEC and typical EPEC predominating.
Supporting Evidence
- 64 patients (22.9%) harbored DEC.
- 41 of them (14.6%) were categorized as EAEC.
- Most of the EAEC (82.9%) were classified as typical EAEC possessing the aggR gene.
- 92.6% of EAEC carried the aat gene.
- 13 patients were EPEC (4.6%) and most were typical EPEC with both eae and bfpA genes.
Takeaway
The study found that many young children in Dar es Salaam have a type of bacteria called E. coli that can cause diarrhea, especially in babies under six months old.
Methodology
A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted where stool samples were collected from children with diarrhea and analyzed using multiplex PCR to detect DEC.
Limitations
The study was limited to children hospitalized for diarrhea and may not represent all children in the community.
Participant Demographics
Children aged less than five years, with most being below 24 months.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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