Microbiological Assessment of Stool Specimens of Children with Diarrhoea in Benin City, Nigeria

Diarrhoeal disease is a public health problem for children worldwide especially in developing countries. This study aimed at assessing the microbial agents associated with childhood diarrhoea in Benin City, Nigeria. Faecal specimens were collected from patients and controls within 0-60 months of age and were analyzed by microbiological techniques. Viral agents were detected by immunochromatographic method, parasitic agents by microscopic method, while bacteria and fungi were isolated by cultural method. The overall results showed a prevalence of 208 (41.3%) for patients and 7 (5.7%) for control. Sex and age group did not show statistical significance (P>0.05) with respect to diarrhoea. However, maternal occupation and season of the year showed statistical significance with P=0.001 and P=0.029, respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern showed that the bacterial isolates were most sensitive to Ceftriazone, Ofloxacin, Ceftazidine and Cefuroxime. Microbial associated diarrhoea is still a public health problem in Benin City, Nigeria, as seen in the 41.3% prevalence. Bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites were found to be associated with the infection. Thus, comprehensive stool analysis is needed for determining the pathogen in patients with clinical symptoms of diarrhoea in this locality.