Bacterial, viral and parasitic aetiology of paediatric diarrhoea in the highlands of Papua New Guinea

Authors: Alexander N.; Howard P.; Atkinson A.; Clegg A.; Gerega G.; Javati A.; Kajoi M.; Lupiwa S.; Lupiwa T.; Mens M.; Saleu G.; Sanders R.; West B.; Alpers M.

Source: Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, Volume 46, Number 1, February 2000 , pp. 10-14(5)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

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Abstract:

Enteropathogens and clinical features associated with diarrhoea were investigated in 1526 children admitted over a 5-year period to the paediatric ward of a hospital in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. Overall, a recognized pathogen was isolated from 39 per cent of the children admitted with diarrhoea. The most commonly isolated agents were rotavirus (23 per cent), Shigella spp. (13 per cent), Campylobacter spp. (12 per cent), Cryptosporidium parvum (10 per cent) and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (8 per cent). The clearest clinical associations were rotavirus with vomiting, and Shigella with blood and pus in the stool. A control series of children admitted with other complaints was also included, and the odds ratios for diarrhoea for the above five pathogens were 18.2, 9.6, 3.7, 2.2, and 1.6, respectively.

Language: English

Document Type: Original article

Affiliations: PNGIMR, PO Box 60, Goroka, EHP 441, Papua New Guinea : 1: Corresponding author

Publication date: 2000-02-01

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The Journal of Tropical Pediatrics provides a link between theory and practice in the field. Papers report key results of clinical and community research, and considerations of programme development. More general descriptive pieces are included when they have application to work preceeding elsewhere. The journal also presents review articles, book reviews and, occasionally, short monographs and selections of important papers delivered at relevant conferences.