Prevalence of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Rotavirus Antigen among Diarrheic Children Attending Selected Hospitals in Abeokuta, Nigeria: A Comparative Study
S. L. Owolabi *
Biology and Microbiology Unit, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Gateway Polytechnic (ICT), Saapade, Ogun State, Nigeria and Department of Microbiology, Babcock University, Ilisan, Ogun State, Nigeria.
I. A. Azeez
Biological Sciences Department, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, Nigeria.
S. O. Makanjuola
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.
A. O. Boyejo
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.
O. A. Buhari
Department of Biological Sciences, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
J. S. Ayedun
Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Diarrheal infections are one of the leading causes of sickness and death all over the world. It is the second-most common cause of under-five mortality, accounting for over half a million deaths annually. In Abeokuta, the etiology of diarrheagenic bacteria and diarrheagenic viruses has not been well studied.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Rotavirus Antigen among Diarrheic Children attending Selected Hospitals in Abeokuta, Nigeria: A Comparative study.
Methods: A total of 315 stool samples were collected from children 0–5 years of age across three selected hospitals. With a wooden spatula, 5ml of fecal sample was scooped and decanted into clean, labeled screw-capped tubes. Rotavirus antigen screening was performed according to the manufacturers’ instructions, while EPEC screening was performed using cultural, biochemical, and stereotyping methods.
Results: From the sample screening performed, 30 (37.04%) were EPEC positive, whereas 51 (62.96%) were positive for rotavirus. Dissemination of children based on ageshowed that children between 7–12 months had the most elevated predominance of Rotavirus infection 17 (33.33%) while the lowest predominance was observed in children between 0–2 months 4 (7.84%). Furthermore, the highest predominance of EPEC diseases was observed in children between 7–12 months 12 (40%) and the lowest predominance in children between 19–24 months 2 (6.67%).
Conclusion: This study had demonstrated a higher prevalence of Rotavirus infection as compared to EPEC diseases among Diarrheic Children within the study location.
Keywords: Rotavirus, Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli ( EPEC ), diarrheic children