Bacterial aetiology of diarrhoeal diseases and antimicrobial resistance in Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2005–2008

Abstract

SUMMARYInfectious diarrhoea caused by bacterial pathogens contributes to the high level of mortality in developing countries like Bangladesh. Following standard bacteriological procedures, a total of 14 428 bacterial pathogens were isolated from 56 132 stool samples and rectal swabs collected from diarrhoeal patients between 2005 and 2008. The rate of isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility data were retrospectively analysed for these isolates and among themVibriospp. (42·9%) were the most predominant, followed byShigellaspp. (20·3%),Aeromonasspp. (12·8%) andSalmonellaspp. (6·4%). A decreasing trend in isolation ofVibriospp. (P<0·001) andSalmonellaspp. (P<0·001) was observed. WhileVibrio choleraeisolates remained susceptible to ciprofloxacin, an increase in resistance was observed inCampylobacterspp. andShigella flexneri. Variations in susceptibility to other tested antibiotics were observed among the isolated pathogens. Access to this current data will help in understanding the local burden of diarrhoeal disease and contribute to better design of prevention programmes.