INFECTION AND DISEASE IN A GROUP OF SOUTH INDIAN FAMILIES: IV: BACTERIOLOGIC METHODS AND A REPORT OF THE FREQUENCY OF ENTERIC BACTERIAL INFECTION IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN1

Abstract

Feldman, R. A. (CDC, Atlanta, Ga. 30333), P. Bhat and K. R, Kamath. Infection and disease in a group of south Indian families. IV: Bacteriologic methods and a report of the frequency of enteric bacterial infection in preschool children. Amer. J. Epid., 1970, 92; 367–375. The frequency of enteric bacterial infections in a group of over 120 preschool children living in the semi-urban areas of Vellore has been studied for nearly 2 years through studies of 2, 537 rectal swab specimens collected at 28-day intervals. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli was found in over 8% of all swabs studied and in 12% of those from children between 6–12 months of age. Shigellae were found in over 6% of the specimens, with almost none from children under 6 months of age. Providence and Alkalescens-Dispar were less frequently isolated, and salmonellae were uncommon. There was a seasonal trend in the isolation rate of EEC, but not with other enteric bacteria. Throat swabs did not reveal enteric bacterial pathogens even when the rectal swabs were positive.