EC Microbiology

Pathogenic E. coli strains could cause diarrheal infection both in animal and human hosts due to their virulence factors. Molecular detection of the virulent E. coli strains with antibiogram and determinants for the occurrence of diarrhea in children was conducted in Jimma. Cross-sectional study with purposive sampling was undertaken to isolate bacteria from stool samples of 68 diarrheic children, identified conventionally, virulence factors were identified and antimicrobial sensitivity patterns were tested. Socio-demographic data was obtained using a structured questionnaire. E. coli was recovered from 47.1% (32/68) (95% CI: 35.0-59.0) of the children. There was a statistical difference by age, presence of caretaker for the child, manure contact, hand washing before meal and exclusive breast milk feeding (P < 0.05). The conspectus isolation rate of pathogenic strains was 43.7% (95% CI: 26.0-62.0). Five (15.6%) of Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) strains, 9 (27.1%) of Shiga toxin like producing E. coli (STEC) strains were detected. Neomycin, 92.9% (13/14), followed by sulphonamides, 64.3% (9/14), were the highest resisted by STEC and EPEC strains. The study demonstrated involvement of EPEC and STEC in children suffering from diarrhea. The existence of multiple antimicrobial resistant isolates calls for prudent use of antimicrobials. Household hygiene practices and antimicrobial judiciousness could aid to limit the occurrence of pathogenic E. coli infection.

 Keywords: Children; Escherichia coli; Ethiopia; Antimicrobial Resistance; Risk Factors; Virulence Genes

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