Probióticos y prebióticos: rol en la terapéutica de la enfermedad diarreica aguda infantil / Probiotics and prebiotics: its role in childhood acute diarrheal disease therapy

RESUMEN: La enfermedad diarreica aguda infantil (EDAI), constituye un problema de salud pública, representando la 2ª causa de morbimortalidad infantil en menores de 5 años, en el Ecuador. La hidratación oral y parenteral en los niños hospitalizados bajo normas de administración de conformidad con el grado de deshidratación y pérdida de peso, así como medidas preventivas como la vacunación obligatoria contra el rotavirus, han contribuido a disminuir, pero no a solucionar este problema de salud infantil. Múltiples factores contribuyen para que no se resuelva: socioeconómicos, educacionales, el destete temprano y malas prácticas alimenticias, entre otros. Últimos estudios han propuesto la utilización de probióticos que contribuyan a disminuir el problema sugieriendo el usode Saccharomyces boulardii (SB), asociado a un prebiótico; lo que permitiría acortar el tiempo de tratamiento de una EDAI; por lo que la simbiosis entre SB y un prebiótico denominado fructooligosacárido (FOS), podría ser una alternativa para reducir costos y complicaciones. Una alternativa para medir el curso clínico de una EDAI en infantes es la escala BITTS, de reciente creación y fácil aplicación por clínicos. El objetivo de este manuscrito fue resumir la evidencia existente respecto del rol de losprobióticos y prebióticos en la terapéutica de de la EDAI.

SUMMARY: In Ecuador childhood acute diarrheal disease (CADD) constitutes a serious public health problem, representing the 2nd cause of infant morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years of age. Oral and parenteral hydration in hospitalized children, with standard treatments according to their degree of dehydration and weight loss, as well as preventive measures such as mandatory vaccination against rotavirus, have contributed to a decrease. Nevertheless, this childhood disease has still not been resolved. There are multiple contributing factors involved that prevent complete eradication of the disease Among these are socio-economic problems, education, early weaning and poor feeding practices, all of which continue to affect infants. Recent studies have proposed the use of probiotics that help reduce the problem and it has been suggested that Saccharomyces boulardii (SB), associated with a prebiotic, would reduce the treatment time of an CADD. Therefore, the symbiosis between the SB probiotic and a prebiotic called fructo- oligosaccharide (FOS) could be an alternative to reduce complications and reduce costs. An alternative to measure the clinical course of an CADD in infants is the BITTS scale, which was recently created and can easily be applied by clinicians. The aim of this manuscript was to summarize the existing evidence regarding the role of PROBIOTICS and prebiotics in the treatment of CADD.

Choque por dengue interpretado inicialmente como sepsis grave / Shock by dengue initially interpreted as severe sepsis

Introducción: La forma más frecuente de dengue grave es el choque por dengue. Sin embargo, los lactantes con dengue no presentan las manifestaciones clinicas que lo caracterizan ni tienen tan a menudo esta complicación como lo hacen los pacientes con edades mayores. Objetivo: Dar a conocer las características clinicas y laboratoriales de una paciente menor de un año de edad cuyo síndrome de choque por dengue fue interpretado inicialmente como un caso de sepsis grave. Presentación del caso: Paciente femenina de 8 meses de edad con fiebre y diarreas que concurre a más de un centro hospitalario y la madre se niega a ingresarla. Al quinto dia de enfermedad apareció exantema y ya estando afebril presenta cianosis y otros signos de hipoperfusión tissular, haciéndole diagnóstico inicial de choque por sepsis. Responde satisfactoriamente a la reposición de líquidos cristaloides por via intravenosa administrados inicialmente y es enviada despues a una unidad de terapia intensiva pediátrica donde continua recibiendo tratamiento de rehidratacion y se inicia antibioticoterapia. Posteriormente, la sepsis fue descartada por la evolución del caso y los resultados de laboratorio clinico y microbiológicos, asi como una serología positiva a dengue. Conclusiones. El choque por dengue en el lactante puede expresarse sin su cuadro clinico típico y para su diagnostico es imprescindible considerar el antecedente epidemiológico(AU).

Introduction: The most common form of severe dengue is the dengue shock syndrome. However, infants with dengue don´t present the clinical manifestations that characterize it neither have this complication as often as older patients do. Objective: To know the clinical and laboratory characteristics of a patient of less than one-year-old whose dengue shock syndrome was initially interpreted as a case of severe sepsis. Case presentation: 8-months-old female patient with fever and diarrhea that was checked in more than one hospital and the mother refuses to hospitalize her. In the fifth day of being ill appeared exanthem, and having fever she presented cyanosis and other signs of tisular hypoperfusion, being initially diagnosed a sepsis shock. She responded satisfactorily to the replacement of crystalloid fluids intravenously administered initially and she was sent to a pediatric intensive care unit where she continued receiving rehydration treatment and antibiotic therapy was started. Subsequently, sepsis was ruled out due to the case´s evolutions and the clinical and microbiological laboratory´s results, as well as a serology positive to dengue fever. Conclusions: Dengue shock syndrome in an infant can present without its typical clinical manifestations and for its diagnosis is essential to consider the epidemiological history(AU)

Cholera in Somalia

Somalia, recently, reported a huge outbreak of acute watery diarrhea cases affecting at-least 15 districts in South Central regions of the country. From January to April 2016, a total of 8,838 cases and 433 deaths [CFR=4.9%] have been reported. Children under 5 years of age represented 59% and 66% of total reported cases and deaths respectively

Eosinophilic colitis in infants / Colite eosinofílica em lactentes

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature for clinical data on infants with allergic or eosinophilic colitis. DATA SOURCE: MEDLINE search of all indexes was performed using the words ''colitis or procto-colitis and eosinophilic'' or ''colitis or proctocolitis and allergic'' between 1966 and February of 2013. All articles that described patients' characteristics were selected. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 770 articles were identified, of which 32 met the inclusion criteria. The 32 articles included a total of 314 infants. According to the available information, 61.6% of infants were male and 78.6% were younger than 6 months. Of the 314 patients, 49.0% were fed exclusively breast milk, 44.2% received cow's milk protein, and 6.8% received soy protein. Diarrheal stools were described in 28.3% of patients. Eosinophilia was found in 43.8% (115/263) of infants. Colonic or rectal biopsy showed infiltration by eosinophils (between 5 and 25 perhigh-power field) in 89.3% (236/264) of patients. Most patients showed improvement with theremoval of the protein in cow's milk from their diet or the mother's diet. Allergy challenge tests with cow's milk protein were cited by 12 of the 32 articles (66 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Eosinophilic colitis occurs predominantly in the first six months of life and in males. Allergy to cow's milk was considered the main cause of eosinophilic colitis. Exclusion of cow'smilk from the diet of the lactating mother or from the infant's diet is generally an effective therapeutic measure. .

OBJETIVO: Revisão da literatura sobre dados clínicos de lactentes com colite eosinofílica oualérgica. FONTE DOS DADOS: Pesquisa no Medline de todas as indexações com as palavras ''colitis or proc-tocolitis and eosinophilic'' ou ''colitis or proctocolitis and allergic'' entre 1966 e fevereiro de 2013. Foram selecionados todos os artigos que descreviam as características dos pacientes. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Foram identificados 770 artigos dos quais 32 preenchiam os critérios de inclusão. Os 32 artigos incluíram o total de 314 lactentes. Conforme as informações disponíveis, 61,6% dos lactentes eram do sexo masculino e 78,6% apresentavam idade inferior a 6 meses. Dos 314 pacientes, 49,0% encontrava-se em aleitamento natural exclusivo, 44,2% recebiam proteína do leite de vaca e 6,8% proteína da soja. Fezes diarreicas foram descritas em 28,3% dos pacientes. Eosinofilia foi encontrada em 43,8% (115/263) dos lactentes. Biópsia retal ou colônica mostrou infiltração por eosinófilos (entre 5 e 25 por campo de grande aumento) em 89,3% (236/264) dos pacientes. A maioria dos pacientes apresentou melhora com a retirada da proteína do leite de vaca da sua dieta ou das suas mães. Teste de desencadeamento com proteína do leite de vaca foi citado em 12 dos 32 artigos (66 pacientes). CONCLUSÕES: Colite eosinofílica ocorre predominantemente nos primeiros seis meses de vida e no sexo masculino. Alergia ao leite de vaca foi considerada a principal causa de colite eosinofílica. Dieta de exclusão do leite de vaca da mãe lactante ou da dieta do lactente é uma medidate rapêutica geralmente eficaz. .

Comparison between elisa and various stains techniques in laboratory diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidium spp. is an important parasitic protozoa causing diarrhea which is a severe life-threatening diarrhea especially in immunocompromised hosts. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of detection of Cryptosporidium spp. copro-antigen from fecal specimens by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] test and comparing its sensitivity and specificity with some staining methods. The results revealed that Modified Acid-Fast stain is considered better than Giemsa in detecting Cryptosporidium species oocysts in faecal smears as their sensitivity were 67.5% and 53.75% respectively. On contrary, ELISA technique is considered the best method used for detection of cryptosporidial infection as its sensitivity is 90%

Breast-Feeding Protects Infantile Diarrhea Caused by Intestinal Protozoan Infections

This study investigated the effect of breast-feeding in protection against protozoan infection in infants with persistent diarrhea. Infants were classified into 2 groups; 161 breast-fed infants and the same number of non-breast-fed infants. Microscopic examinations of stool were done for detection of parasites and measuring the intensity of infection. Moreover, serum levels of IgE and TNF-alpha were measured by ELISA. Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar, Giardia lamblia, and Blastocystis sp. were demonstrated in infants with persistent diarrhea. The percentage of protozoan infections was significantly lower in breast-fed infants than that in the non-breast-fed infants. The levels of IgE and TNF-alpha were significantly lower in the breast-fed group than in the non-breast-fed group. There were significant positive associations between the serum levels of IgE and TNF-alpha and the intensity of parasite infection in the breast-fed group. It is suggested that breast-feeding has an attenuating effect on the rate and intensity of parasite infection.

Manejo nutricional de las intolerancias digestivas más comunes del lactante / Nutritional management of the most common digestive intolerance in infants

Las intolerancias digestivas más comunes del lactante i n c l u y e n e s t r e ñ imi e n t o , r e g u r g i t a c i ó n , llanto/irritabilidad, cólico, gas excesivo y diarrea, que en muchos casos, pueden ser normales, sin embargo, es frecuente ante estas intolerancias, cambiar las fórmulas infantiles. En el presente artículo, un grupo de profesionales de la salud relacionados con la gastroenterología y alergología pediátrica, describen los antecedentes, las definiciones, y el manejo nutricional de cada una de estas intolerancias digestivas.

The most common symptoms of digestive intolerances in infants include constipation, regurgitation,crying/irritability, cramps, excessive gas and diarrhea. Some of these symptoms may be completely normaland are explained in part as a result of the maturation process of the GI tract of young infants. However, it isvery common that parents and doctors due to any of these symptoms switch formulas. A group of experts'pediatric gastroenterologists and pediatric allergists from different countries decided to review this topicand provide practical recommendations.

Nuevos y viejos agentes asociados a diarrea en niños en Honduras / New and old agents of acute diarrhea In children In Honduras

INTRODUCCIÓN: La diarrea es la segunda causa de morbilidad y mortalidad en niños menores de 5 años en Honduras. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los agentes etiológicos virales, bacterianos y parasitarios en niños con diarrea no sanguino lenta de 2 barrios marginales de Comayagüela, Honduras. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio de casos y controles realizado del 1er de marzo al 31 de agosto 2004 en los centros de Salud de Las Crucitas y El Carrizal, en 151 niños de 6 meses a 5 años de edad con diarrea aguda que acudieron por demanda espontanea; con los correspondientes 151 controles apareados por edad, sexo y vecindario, una vez obtenido el consentimiento informado. Las muestras de heces se procesaron por virus, bacterias y parásitos utilizando métodos convencionales en el laboratorio. El análisis estadístico además de la prueba exacta de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Se encontró una asociación significativa entre los niños infectados por Cryptosporidium spp. y Adenovirus y los episodios de diarrea aguda, comparada con los no infectados por esos agentes patógenos (OR=9.31, 95%CI=1.24 - 69.97; OR = 5.47, 95%CI=1.51 – 19.80, respectivamente); los 8 pacientes infectados con Rotavirus tenían un cuadro diarreico agudo evidente (prueba exacta de Fisher p<0.01). CONCLUSIONES: Las infecciones por Adenovirus, Rotavirus y Cryptosporidium spp. se asociaron fuertemente con diarrea aguda no sanguinolenta en niños en Honduras...

Zinc and childhood diseases

Zinc is an essential component of various enzyme molecules, other proteins and bio-membranes. Zinc deficiency is shown to be one of the leading causes of illness and disease in low-income countries. Zinc is necessary for the normal function of the immune system. Zinc supplementation decreases the duration and severity of acute diarrhea and hastens the recovery of persistent diarrhea. It prevents diarrhea, pneumonia and malaria. Zinc supplement improves growth especially height and weight. It decreases child mortality mainly form diarrhea and pneumonia

Relação entre aleitamento materno e internações por doenças diarreicas nas crianças com menos de um ano de vida nas capitais brasileiras e Distrito Federal, 2008 / Relationship between breastfeeding and hospitalization due to diarrheal diseases among Children Under one year of Life in Brazilian state capitals and the Federal District, 2008

Objetivo: avaliar a relação entre aleitamento materno e internações por doenças diarreicas em crianças com menos de um ano de vida nas capitais brasileiras e no Distrito Federal, em 2008. Metodologia: trata-se de estudo epidemiológico ecológico que utiliza dados secundários de internação por doenças diarréias (desfecho) e de prevalência de aleitamento materno (exposição); foi estimado modelo estatístico binomial negativo [intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95 por cento], ajustado por rede de abastecimento de água e esgoto e analfabetismo da população. Resultados: tanto o aleitamento materno exclusivo (razão de taxas = 0,76; IC95 por cento: 0,61-0,94) quanto o aleitamento materno em crianças com nove a doze meses incompletos de vida (razão de taxas = 0,72; IC95 por cento: 0,52-0,99) podem reduzir as taxas de internação por doenças diarreicas na população estudada. Conclusão: os resultados sugerem que o aleitamento materno é uma pratica importante para redução média da taxa de internação hospitalar por doenças diarreicas na população de crianças com menos de um ano de vida.

Objective: evaluate the relationship between breastfeeding and hospitalization due to diarrheal diseases among children under one year of life in Brazilian state capitals and the Federal District, in 2008. Methodology: this is an epidemiological ecological study that employ Brazilian secondary data of hospitalization due to diarrheal diseases (outcome) and breastfeeding prevalences (exposure); a binomial negative statistical model has been estimated [confidence interval (CI) of 95 per cent], adjusted by water supply, sanitation and analfabetism of the population. RESULTS: both exclusive breastfeeding (RT = 0.76; CI95 per cent 0.61-0.94) and breastfeeding in children from nine to twelve incomplete months of life (RT = 0.72; CI95 per cent 0.52-0.99) can reduce hospitalization rates due to diarrheal diseases among the population. Conclusion: the results suggest that breastfeeding is an important practice to reduce hospitalization mean taxes due to diarrheal diseases among children up to one year of age.

Diarrea funcional como causa de diarrea crónica / Functional diarrhea as cause of chronic diarrhea

La diarrea funcional se presenta con frecuencia en la práctica pediátrica, y generalmente no se asocia a alteraciones nutricionales, pero sí a esquemas dietéticos incorrectos. Se actualiza su importancia clínica, se hace énfasis en la patogenia, diagnóstico y en los métodos de tratamiento. Consideramos que es la causa más frecuente de diarrea crónica inespecífica y que el interrogatorio dirigido según los criterios de Roma es útil para su diagnóstico. La mayoría de los pacientes con esta enfermedad en la infancia deben ser tratados en la atención primaria

The functional diarrhea is frequent in the pediatric practice and in general it is not associated with nutritional alterations, but to incorrect dietary schemes. Its clinical significance is updated and its pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment methods are emphasized. Authors considered that the functional diarrhea is the more frequent cause of unspecific chronic diarrhea and the questioning directed according the Rome criteria is very useful for its diagnosis. Most of patients presenting with this disease during childhood must to be treated in primary care services

Nucleótidos y carotenoides naturales / Nucleotides and carotenoids

El concepto de los nucleótidos no es nuevo; máxime que son elementos que hacen parte de los componentes naturales de la leche materna. Casi todos los estudios señalan que el consumo de carotenoides, previenen el desarrollo de enfermedades crónicas en la edad adulta, posiblemente por su efecto antioxidante que disminuye el estrés oxidativo, mejorando enfermedades degenerativas y malignas.

The concept of nucleotides is not new, especially since they are elements that are part of the natural components of human milk. Most studies indicate that the consumption of carotenoids, prevent the development of chronic diseases in adulthood, possibly by its antioxidant effect that reduces oxidative stress, improving degenerative diseases and malignancies.

Prevalence of rotavirus in feces of children with acute diarrhea: clinical signs and associated symptoms / Prevalência de rotavírus em fezes de crianças com diarreia aguda: sinais e sintomas clínicos associados

Introduction: Rotavirus is a very common etiologic agent in acute diarrheas in children worldwide, affecting mainly children under five years of age. The overall annual mortality associated with rotavirus infection was estimated at 454000-705000 deaths annually, predominantly in the developing countries. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and serotypes of rotavirus in a region of Brazil, as well as to present a clinical evaluation of this diarrheal disorder in children. Methods: Cross-sectional study which selected 124 samples from the same number of children under five years of age with acute gastroenteritis, attended to in a Basic Health Unit. Results: Thirty-one samples were positive for rotavirus A, with higher occurrence from September to March (p <0.05). With respect to genotype G, 16 (80%) samples were rated as G1. P genotype showed that all strains were P[8]. Dehydration was found 2.45 times more often among children infected with rotavirus. Conclusion: It is hoped that determining the prevalence of infection and disease caused by rotavirus and the characterization of the profile of circulating viral strains may contribute to information on the molecular biology and epidemiology of infection by that agent

Introdução: O rotavírus é agente etiológico muito comum em diarreias agudas em crianças, em todo o mundo, afetando principalmente crianças menores de cinco anos de idade. A mortalidade anual global associada a infecções por rotavírus foi estimada em 454.000 a 705.000 mortes por ano, predominantemente nos países em desenvolvimento. Os objetivos deste estudo foi descrever os sorotipos circulantes e a prevalência de rotavírus em uma região do Brasil, bem como, apresentar a caracterização clínica da doença diarréica em crianças. Métodos: Estudo transversal que selecionou 124 amostras de um mesmo número de crianças de até cinco anos de idade, com gastrenterite aguda, atendidas em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde. Resultados: Trinta e uma amostras foram positivas para rotavírus A com maior ocorrência de setembro a março (p < 0,05). Com relação ao genótipo G, 16 (80%) amostras foram classificadas como G1. O genótipo P mostrou que todas as cepas eram P[8]. A desidratação foi encontrada 2,45 vezes mais entre crianças infectadas com rotavírus. Conclusão: Espera-se que a determinação da prevalência da infecção e doença provocada pelo rotavírus e a caracterização do perfil de cepas virais circulantes possa contribuir para informação sobre a biologia molecular e a epidemiologia da infecção pelo referido agente

Zinc en la infancia: rompiendo paradigmas / Zinc in childhood: breaking paradigms

El zinc es un ejemplo de un micronutriente esencial, cuya deficiencia juega un papelimportante en la comprensión de las altas tasas de mortalidad y morbilidad infantil en países en desarrollo. Tanto la deficiencia intermedia de zinc como de vitamina A, pueden pasar inadvertidas clínicamente. Con respecto a la inmunidad, el zinc es fundamental para las funciones de tejidos de alto recambio, especialmente en el sistema inmunitario, y su deficiencia se asocia a alteraciones de la inmunidad innata, la inmunidad humoral y la inmunidad celular. Existe evidencia que avala la s u p l eme n t a c i o n d e z i n c d u r a n t e e inmediatamente después de un episodio de diarrea aguda, con lo que se disminuye su tiempo de duración y la gravedad, con reducción en la incidencia de diarrea en los dos o tres meses siguientes.Aun no se conoce exactamente cuál es el mecanismo que explique por qué se encuentra limitada la proliferación celular ante la deficiencia de zinc.

Zinc is an example of an essential micronutrient whose deficiency plays an important role in understanding the high rates of infant mortality and morbidity in developing countries. Both intermediate zinc deficiency and vitamin A, may go unnoticed clinically.With respect to immunity, zinc is essential for the functions of tissues of high turnover, especially in the immune system, and its deficiency is associated with alterations of innate immunity, humoral immunity and cellular immunity. There is evidence supporting zinc supplementation during and immediately after an episode of acute diarrhea, which shortens their duration and severity, with a reduction in the incidence of diarrhea in the two or three months. Still not known exactly what the mechanism that explains why it is limited to cell proliferation in zinc deficiency.

Perfil de la diarrea aguda en niños hospitalizados de Santa Bárbara / Profile of acute diarrhea in hospitalized children from Santa Barbara

Introducción: la diarrea aguda ha sido una de las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad en la infancia. Estudiar el comportamiento clínicos y epidemiológico de la diarrea en menores de cinco años ingresados en el Servicio de Pediatría del Hospital Santa Bárbara Integrado de Honduras durante los primeros cinco meses del año 2008. Pacientes y métodos: El universo estuvo constituido por 200 niños desde cero hasta cinco años que ingresaron en el servicio con el diagnóstico de Enfermedad Diarreica Aguda en el transcurso de una epidemia. Se utilizó un cuestionario que fue aplicado a las madres y además se utilizó información de los expedientes clínicos de los pacientes. Resultados: La afectación fue en el amplio grupo de 1 hasta 4 años, con predominio en el sexo masculino y la mayoría de los pacientes estaban eutróficos. El bajo percápita familiar, el hacinamiento y la baja escolaridad materna fueron los principales antecedentes de riesgo detectados. La deshidratación fue la principal complicación y no ocurrieron defunciones. Conclusión: Los hallazgos clínicos y epidemiológicos encontrados en este grupo indican que las condiciones socioeconómicas se asocian a enfermedad diarreica...

Prevalencia de norovirus como agente etiológico de gastroenteritis en niños venezolanos / Prevalence of norovirus like gastroenteritis etiologic agent in venezuelan children

Las gastroenteritis representan una causa importante de morbimortalidad en el mundo y en Venezuela. Su etioligía en infantes es principalmente viral, encontrando a los Norovirus como agentes asociados. Considerando la escasa documentación al respecto, se realizó este estudio para evaluar la prevalencia de Norovirus en niños de 0 a 10 años con diarrea aguda que acudieron a la Policlínica Metropolitana en Caracas; verificando su asociación con otros factores etiológicos y demográficos. 102 muestras fecales fueron sometidas al análisis bacteriológico, parasitológico y viral, utilizando para la detección de Norovirus un ensayo ELISA RIDASCREEN Norwalk-like-Virus. Al análisis estadístico incluyó los índices O. R, y Chi Cuadrado para analizar las frecuencias de los agentes etiológicos, permitiendo además verificar si la diarrea por Norovirus era Independiente de otros patogénos, del sexo y grupos etareos. Se utilizó Excel y el paquete estadístico SPSS 1.0. Los resultados sugirieron que el riesgo de diarrea por Norovirus se sextuplicó en los niños de 1-2 años en comparación con los mayores a 5 años (O.R 5,8842 p:0,0070;x210,879 p:0,012). En los casos positivos, la prevalencia de Norovirus fue del 68,9% y 30% de ellos presentó coinfección con otros patógenos, pero la asociación no fue significativa (p>0,05). Considerando los casos de diarrea que quedan sin diagnósticar, sería lógico pensar que Norovirus circularía con una lata frecuencia en Venezuela, ya que la prevalencia fue superior a la resprtada en otras poblaciones (39,2% vs 5-33%). El impacto de las infecciones por Norovirus en Venezuela se desconece completamente y debe ser estudiado con mayor profundidad.

Gastroenteritis is a very important cause of mobility and mortality in Venezuela and the rest of the World. Their etiology on children is mainly caused by viruses, including Norovirus. Considering the lack of related documentarion in Venezuela, we performed a study in order to calculate the prevalence of Norovirus on children betwen 0 to 10 years old, with acute diarrhea treated on the Policlinica Metropolitna, Caracas; also we analyzed his association with other etiological and demographic factors. 102 stool samples were tested for bacteria parasitic and viruses. For Norovirus we used the ELISA RIDASCREEN Norwalk-like-Virus, (r-biopharm, Germany). The statistical calculations included O.R. and Chi Square ratios, in order to analyze the frequency of the different etiological agents and also to verify if the diarrheas for Norovirus were independent from other pathogenic agents, sex or age groups. We used Excel and SPSS 1.0 software for statistical calculations. The results suggested that the risk of getting a diarrhea caused for Norovirus was 6 times higher on children from 1 to 2 years old than those older that five years old. (OR 5,8842 p:0,0070;x210,879p:0,012) The prevalence for Norovirus was 68,9% and 30% of them presented simultaneous infection with other pathogenic agents, but this association wasn't significative (p>0,05). Considering the high number of diarrhea cases that lack of a proper etiological diagnostic, it's possible that the Norovirus are circulating with a high frequency in Venezuela, due the prevalence reported on this study is above the reported in other population studies (39,2% vs 5-33%). The actual impact of Norovirus in Venezuela is still unknown and must be study with more detail.

Etude epidemio-clinique des diarrhees aigues a rotavirus chez les nourrissons a l'hopital Jason Sendwe de Lubumbashi; Republique Democratique du Congo

Introduction: le rotavirus est un probleme de sante publique; non seulement dans les pays en developpement ou tous les enfants sont infectes avant l'age de deux a trois ans mais aussi dans les pays developpes ou les conditions d'hygiene sont bonnes. La presente etude est la premiere a fournir des informations sur la prevalence de l'infection a rotavirus dans les diarrhees aigues des nourrissons dans la ville de Lubumbashi. Elle s'est fixee comme objectifs de determiner la frequence hospitaliere ainsi que la saisonnalite; les caracteristiques sociodemographiques; cliniques et evolutives de l'infection a Rotavirus chez les nourrissons admis a l'hopital Jason Sendwe de Lubumbashi pour une diarrhee aigue. Methodes: il s'agit d'une etude descriptive et transversale menee pendant la periode allant du 1er janvier au 31 decembre 2012. Les parametres epidemio-cliniques et evolutifs (age; sexe; saison; signes cliniques; nombre journalier de selles et evolution) des enfants diagnostiques positifs au rotavirus ont ete compares a ceux des enfants dont le test au rotavirus etait negatif. Le degre de signification etait de 5%. Resultats: nous avons recolte 193 cas de diarrhees aigues dont 104 nourrissons etaient infectes par le rotavirus soit 53;8%. Des taux eleves des diarrhees a rotavirus sont enregistres au cours de la saison seche comparativement a la saison des pluies (p0;05). La comparaison des moyennes d'age et celle des proportions d'enfants d'age inferieur ou egal a 12 mois sont statistiquement significatives entre le groupe de diarrhees a rotavirus et celui de diarrhees dues aux autres micro-organismes (p0;05). Le sexe feminin ainsi que les signes d'accompagnement de la diarrhee (vomissements; fievre et lethargie) ne donnent pas de difference statistique entre les deux groupes (p0;05). Par ailleurs; les enfants infectes par le rotavirus etaient 6 fois plus susceptibles de presenter une deshydratation moderee/severe (p0;02). Nous avons enregistre un deces (1% des cas) chez les enfants infectes par le rotavirus et aucun deces chez ceux non infectes par le rotavirus (p0;05). Conclusion: le rotavirus est confirme dans la ville de Lubumbashi et touche souvent les enfants d'age ?12 mois; pendant la saison seche sans distinction de sexe et conduit rapidement a une deshydratation moderee/severe. Une prise en charge adaptee et precoce permet d'eviter les deces et l'assainissement du milieu; le lavage des mains; la prise d'eau potable et la vaccination contre le rotavirus sont les mesures preventives les plus efficaces contre les rotavirus et a conseiller dans notre communaute