Studies of Diarrheal Disease in Central America

II. Community Prevalence of Shigella and Salmonella Infections in Childhood Populations of Guatemala

John E. Gordon Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala, C.A.

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Virginia Pierce Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala, C.A.

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Werner Ascoli Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala, C.A.

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Nevin S. Scrimshaw Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala, C.A.

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Summary

Field studies in seven villages in representative parts of Guatemala produced evidence of a high community dosage of Shigella and a relative infrequency of Salmonella. Rectal swabs, taken every 2 months from approximately 1,000 children over a period of 2 years and cultured bacteriologically, gave an average infection rate of 6.0% for Shigella, with a range from 0 to 17.2%. The rate for Salmonella was 0.2%.

By periodic prevalence determinations, a seasonal increase in Shigella infection was identified during March through May, although a secondary autumnal increase sometimes occurred. The major frequency of infection was among children aged 2 to 4 years. Infection rates were higher in the lowlands than in the highlands. Less infection occurred among Indians than among non-Indians.

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