Causes of Diarrhoea in Young Children in Dar es Salaam
Author Information
Author(s): Moyo Sabrina J, Njolstad Gro, Matee Mecky I, Kitundu Jesse, Myrmel Helge, Mylvaganam Haima, Maselle Samuel Y, Langeland Nina
Primary Institution: Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)
Hypothesis
What are the age-specific aetiological agents of diarrhoea in children under five years in Dar es Salaam?
Conclusion
Acute watery diarrhoea in children under five in Dar es Salaam is mainly caused by DEC, C. parvum, rotaviruses, and noroviruses, with significant antibiotic resistance observed.
Supporting Evidence
- 67.1% of patients had at least one pathogen detected.
- DEC was the most common pathogen, found in 22.9% of patients.
- High rates of antibiotic resistance were observed in common treatments.
Takeaway
This study looked at what makes little kids sick with diarrhoea in Dar es Salaam, finding that certain germs are the main culprits and that some medicines don't work well anymore.
Methodology
The study was cross-sectional, involving 280 children under five admitted for diarrhoea, with pathogen detection through various laboratory methods.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on parental reporting for data collection.
Limitations
Some potential pathogens were not tested for, and prior antibiotic use may have affected pathogen detection.
Participant Demographics
172 boys and 108 girls aged 0-60 months.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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