ETIOLOGY OF DIARRHEA IN A RURAL-COMMUNITY IN WESTERN THAILAND - IMPORTANCE OF ENTERIC VIRUSES AND ENTEROVIRULENT ESCHERICHIA-COLI

The etiology of gastroenteritis was determined in children and adults with diarrhea seen at a district hospital and three government health clinics in Suan Phung, western Thailand, in 1991. Enteric viruses (rot avirus and astrovirus) were identified in 40%, shigellae in 18%, attac hing and effacing Escherichia coli in 13%, Campylobacter jejuni in 9%, and enterotoxigenic E. coli in 7% of children <5 years old with diarr hea seen at the hospital. Enteric viruses were detected in 15% (24/156 ) of patients with diarrhea greater than or equal to 5 years old and w ere the only enteric pathogens identified in 12 patients ages 7-79 yea rs (2 astrovirus, 10 rotavirus infections). Attaching and effacing E. coli, rotavirus, and astrovirus were potential causes of diarrhea in c hildren and adults in this population.