New and Old Agents in Diarrhea: a Prospective Study of an Indigenous Adult African Population

David P. Hansen Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore City Hospitals and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya

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Rina G. Kaminsky Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore City Hospitals and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya

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L. Robert Bagg Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore City Hospitals and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya

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Albert Z. Kapikian Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore City Hospitals and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya

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Richard C. B. Slack Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore City Hospitals and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya

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David A. Sack Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore City Hospitals and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.1978.27.609
Volume/Issue:
Volume 27: Issue 3
Page(s):
609–615
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We conducted a prospective study of 77 indigenous African adults with acute diarrhea seeking care at the major hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, to determine the major pathogens responsible for this syndrome in adults. Fecal and blood specimens were collected and examined for enteric bacterial pathogens, viruses, and parasites. In 13 (26%) inpatients and 11 (49%) outpatients Shigella was found, and heat-labile and heat-stable forms of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli were found in 9 (18%) inpatients and 1 (4%) outpatient. Human reovirus-like agent titers rose significantly in another 3 (6%). Amebic dysentery was not seen although hemagglutination-inhibition tests for invasive Entamoeba histolytica were positive in 4 inpatients. An etiologic agent was found in 65% of patients.

Author Notes

Copyright:
Copyright © 1978 by The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 1978
Accepted:
24 Sep 1977
|
Published Online:
May 1978
Cover The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Print ISSN:
0002-9637
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