Case–control comparison of bacterial and protozoan microorganisms associated with gastroenteritis: application of molecular detection

摘要: The introduction of molecular detection infectious organisms has led to increased numbers positive findings, as observed for pathogens causing gastroenteritis (GE). However, because little is known about the prevalence these in healthy asymptomatic population, clinical value additional findings unclear. A case-control study was carried out a population patients served by general practitioners Netherlands. total 2710 fecal samples from case and matched control subjects were subjected multiplex real-time PCR 11 most common bacterial four protozoal causes GE. Of 1515 samples, 818 (54%) one or more target organisms. 49% controls positive. Higher positivity rates cases compared Campylobacter spp., Salmonella Clostridium difficile, enteroinvasive Escherichia coli/Shigella enterotoxigenic E. coli, enteroaggregative atypical enteropathogenic coli (EPEC), Cryptosporidium parvum/hominis, Giardia lamblia. Dientamoeba fragilis Shiga-like toxigenic detected significantly less frequent than controls, while no difference found typical EPEC enterohemorrhagic coli. association between presence microorganisms GE weakest children aged 0 5 years. relative loads further support causality. This seen C. certain age categories those infected with EPEC. For D. coli/enterohemorrhagic pathogen lower cases. Application diagnostics rapid, sensitive specific, but results should be interpreted care, using background information.