Enteric pathogens implicated in acute infectious diarrhea among young children in resource-limited region with rapidly growing population: a hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Background: Acute infectious diarrhea is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in developing countries and among children younger than 5 years of age.

Purpose: To determine the causative microorganisms in diarrhea and elucidate their epidemiological trajectory among children younger than 5 years of age to establish successful preventive measures.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Musayyib District, Babil Governorate, Iraq, using data from January 2023 to January 2024 provided by the information system of Ibn Saif Children's Hospital and Al-Musayyib General Hospital. Data from 300 children under 5 years of age with infectious diarrhea were collected to determine the causative pathogens. Patient data including sex, age, treatment, and post-treatment clinical condition, were collected from the hospital archive and analyzed.

Results: Overall, 56% of males and 44% of females had diarrhea. The 1-2-year age group was the most susceptible to diarrhea (33.3%). This rate gradually decreased with age, reaching 9.9% in the 4-5-year age group. Furthermore, bacteria were the causative organisms in 43% of cases, followed by viruses, parasites, and fungi at 24.7%, 12%, and 7.7%, respectively. Mixed infections were detected in 12.6%. Post-treatment, 89.7% of patients completely recovered, 8% experienced physiological disorders, and 2.3% died.

Conclusion: Bacteria were the most common causative organisms of infectious diarrhea among children younger than 5 years of age. Children in the 1-2-year age group were the most commonly affected. This study highlights that diarrhea continues to threaten the lives and well-being of children.