Investigating bacterial gastroenteritis prevalence in the population of Tizi-Ouzou city under the context of social distancing and barrier measures

Abstract

Background: Epidemics of gastroenteritis are responsible for more than one million consultations in general medicine each year. Aims: This study aimed to isolate and identify the main bacteria at the origin of gastroenteritis, and to follow the distribution of these pathogenic bacteria within the population to predict hygiene conditions in the city of Tizi-Ouzou. Material and Methods: Our study was conducted during the summer of 2022 on 106 liquid and semi-liquid stool samples. Results: The results of direct examination and fecal culture revealed the absence of pathogenic organisms, which constitutes a promising result. Conclusions: The findings correlate with a rise in COVID-19 cases during the survey period. Hence, the probable reason for the absence of pathogenic germs is the efficacy of social distancing and barrier measures, specifically in curbing the transmission of fecal-oral contaminations. Keywords: Bacterial gastroenteritis, stool culture, diarrhea, COVID pandemic.