Prevalence of enteric pathogens among community based asymptomatic individuals

Background and Aims: The objective of this study was to describe the preval ence of pathogenic microorganisms in asymptomatic individuals in a communit y study in Melbourne, Australia. Methods: The study population was a subset of 2803 individuals participatin g in the Water Quality Study; a community based randomized trial. Faecal sp ecimens (1091) were collected over a 3-month period from asymptomatic indiv iduals. Specimens were tested for a range of bacteria including Salmonella, Shigella and Campylobacter species. Rotavirus and adenovirus were detected using a Rota-Adeno latex kit, and protozoa were detected using a permanent stain (modified iron-haemotoxylin). Results: Twenty-eight known pathogens were identified from the 1091 faecal specimens, a total carriage rate of 2.6%. Giardia species were present in 1 8 specimens (1.6%), Salmonella in four (0.4%), Campylobacter in one (0.1%), Cryptosporidium in four (0.4%) and adenovirus in one (0.1%). Blastocystis hominis was found in 65 specimens. The median age of those without a pathog en was 12.5 years compared with 6.6 years for those with a pathogen (P = 0. 02). Conclusions: Except for Giardia, pathogens were rarely found in asymptomati c individuals in the community. The prevalence of pathogens was higher in c hildren than adults. (C) 2000 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd.