Gastrointestinal infections in children. a strategy for searching pathogenic agents
Pinon, G.; Goudeau, A.; Cotty-Vargues, F.; Sambourg, M.; Quentin, R.; Vargues, R.
Presse Medicale 16(8): 383-386
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0755-4982 PMID: 3029746 Document Number: 288571
From a bacteriological and virological study of 2056 stool samples obtained from 1595 children we have attempted to derive epidemiological arguments leading to an algorithm of coprodiagnosis. We believe that Rotavirus should be systematically searched for at any age, as it is the most frequent pathogen encountered (27% of children with positive detection). If the test is positive, no other test needs to be performed in patients staying less than 4 days in hospital. If the test is negative, or if the child's clinical condition requires prolonged hospitalization, conventional bacteriology must be carried out, including a search for Salmonella, Shigella and Yersinia. The search for Campylobacter should be limited to infections occurring in children under five.