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Pathogens associated with acute diarrhea, and comorbidity with malaria among children under five years old in rural Burkina Faso


Palpouguini Lompo
Marc Christian Tahita
Hermann Sorgho
William Kaboré
Adama Kazienga
Ashmed Cheick Bachirou Nana
Hamtandi Magloire Natama
Isidore Juste Ouindgueta Bonkoungou
Nicolas Barro
Halidou Tinto

Abstract

Introduction: acute diarrhea in children under five years is a public health problem in developing countries and particularly in malaria-endemic areas where both diseases co-exist. The present study examined the etiology of childhood diarrhea and its comorbidity with malaria in a rural area of Burkina Faso.


Methods: conventional culture techniques, direct stools examination, and viruses´ detection by rapid tests were performed on the fresh stools and microscopy was used to diagnose malaria. Some risk factors were also assessed.


Results: on a total of 191 samples collected, at least one pathogen was identified in 89 cases (46.6%). The proportions of pathogens found on the 89 positive stool samples were parasites 51.69% (46 cases), viruses 39.33% (35 cases), and bacteria 14.61% (13 cases), respectively. The relationship between malaria and infectious diarrhea was significant in viral and parasites causes (p=0.005 and 0.043 respectively). Fever, vomiting and abdominal pain were the major symptoms associated with diarrhea, with 71.51%, 31.72% and 23.66% respectively. The highest viral diarrhea prevalence was reported during the dry season (OR=5.29, 95% CI: 1.74 - 16.07, p=0.001) while parasite diarrhea was more encountered during the rainy season (OR=0.41, 95% CI:0.33 - 0.87, p=0.011).


Conclusion: Giardia spp and rotavirus were the leading cause of acute diarrhea in Nanoro, Burkina Faso with a predominance of rotavirus in children less than 2 years. Parasite and viral diarrhea were the most pathogens associated with malaria. However, the high rate of negative stool samples suggests the need to determine other enteric microorganisms.


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eISSN: 1937-8688