Pathogens detected in the faeces of children with diarrhoea in a Sydney hospital

Abstract

During a 54-week period, faecal samples taken from 350 children under 5 years of age, who were admitted with acute diarrhoea to the infectious diseases ward of a Sydney hospital, were examined for pathogens. Rotavirus was detected as the sole agent in the specimens of 58 patients (16.6%), enteroviruses in those of 26 patients (7.4%), salmonellae in those of 19 patients (5.4%) and Campylobacter jejuni in those of 15 patients (4.3%). Shigellae were not detected. The results are discussed and, in view of the changing patterns of infection, it is suggested that there is a continuing need for research into the causes of enteritis in Australia.