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 posttreatment 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%. Posttreatment, 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.