Prevalence of spp. Infection in Pediatric Patients Hospitalized with Gastroenteritis in Latvia between 2020 and 2021.

PURPOSE

species are emerging human enteric pathogens. However, there is no systematic analysis of infection in the pediatric population in Latvia. The aim of the study was to describe potential sources, prevalence of infection, associated virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance of spp. isolated from fecal samples.

METHODS

Stool samples (n = 1360) were obtained from the Children's Clinical University Hospital between 2020 and 2021. The target population was pediatric patients, 0 to 18 years of age, with a preliminary diagnosis of gastroenteritis. Identification was performed by Maldi-TOF, antimicrobial resistance by Vitek2 and 9 virulence factors by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

spp. were isolated in 50 stool samples; positive findings made up 3.6% of all study cases and included four species: , , , and . In 42% of the samples, appeared alongside the other significant pathogens: , , , norovirus, adenovirus, and rotavirus. The study population positive for spp. infection contained 28 male (56%) and 22 female (44%) patients; median age was 4.56 years. The most common symptoms were: diarrhea, blood in stool, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. Aside from expected natural resistance, no significant antibacterial resistance was detected. The presence of multiple virulence genes was noticed in all isolates. No statistically significant correlation was found between the virulence patterns, bacterial species, and the intensity of clinical symptoms.

DISCUSSION

According to the clinical data and the results of this study spp. has an important role in pediatric practice and requires appropriate attention and monitoring.