Abstract

Acute gastroenteritis is an important health public issue especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the most common microbial agents responsible for acute diarrheas in our city. The study was performed prospectively between December 2005 and January 2006 in Manisa, Turkey. Stool samples were collected from patients with acute diarrhea who attended to different hospitals of the city (University Hospital, Government Hospitals, Pediatrics Hospital and Health Public Laboratory). The stool samples of 300 patients (50 children, 250 adults) were investigated. Standard cultivation methods were performed to determine Salmonella ve Shigella spp. Escherichia coli0157:H7 was tested by ImmunoCard STAT! E. coli 0157 Plus. The strains that were identified as sorbitol negative E. coli were investigated by E. coli 0157: H7 antiserum. The isolated microorganisms were as follows: Salmonella spp. 7 (2.3%), Shigella spp. 5 (1.6%), Giardia intestinalis 12 (4%), Enterobius vermicularis 5 (1.6%), Rotavirus 2 (0.6%) and sorbitol negative E. coli 18 (6%). Only one Sorbitol negative E. coli colony showed agglutination with E. coli 0157:H7 antiserum. The most common pathogens were identified as G. intestinalis in children and E. coli in adults. Sorbitol negative E. coli were isolated in 18 of the stool samples, and only one of them showed agglutination with E. coli 0157:H7. Although rare, this strain may lead serious complications and it should be kept in mind in patients with acute diarrhea. 

Key words: Escherichia coli 0157, diarrhea, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Giardia intestinalis.