Bacterial etiology among diarrheal cases

Objectives The main objective of this article was to check the bacterial etiology to find out the routes of infection, which might help with control strategies. As Nalbari is one of the most common flood-affected districts in Assam, India, we chose Nalbari district as our study area. The socioeconomic factor enhances the transmission of bacteria easily, as every year during floods, pictures of water from neighboring hilly states or countries (e.g., Bhutan)—rain, waterlogging, and more—are seen. Material and Methods Stool samples or rectal swabs were collected from the patients who had reported to the District Public Health Laboratory(DPHL) with acute diarrheal disease in Nalbari. Patients or their attendant’s consent was collected prior to collecting samples. Samples were processed for culture, gram stain microscopy, and biochemical tests to isolate the organism. Results Test results showed Escherichia coli (E. coli) 40.95%, Salmonella 2.86%, Shigella 1.42%, and Campylobacter 0.48%. No other bacteria were isolated during the study period. Maximum cases were reported during the rainy season. Conclusion E. coli can transmit through fecal-oral means; Salmonella through contaminated food, water, contact with infected people/animals, and so on; Shigella through fecal-oral, contaminated food, water, oral-anal sexual routes, and more; and Campylobacter through contaminated or raw food, milk, water, and so on. This study concludes that water can easily transmit bacteria to other people. Health hygiene, economic condition, living behavior, awareness, and administration’s activities all might play an important role in minimizing this burden. Making plans prior to flood by administration and more research studies can help in controlling this disease burden.