Prevalence of Esherichia coli Mediated Diarrhea Among Children under Five Years in Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Nigeria

DiarrhoegenicEscherichia coli (DEC) is a significant cause of diarrhea particularly in infants and young children under five years. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of DEC in ESUT Teaching Hospital Enugu State. This is a cross sectional study conducted among under five years children presenting with diarrhea within the month of May to November 2024. Stool samples were collected using sterile swab stick and universal container; samples were cultured on chromogenic agar (chromatic E.coli 0157). Antimicrobial susceptibility test were carried out on all the E.coli isolated using nutrient agar. Of 150 children, 11(7.33% ) was positive to E.coli, with a higher proportion in females 7 (4.67%) than males 4 (2.67%), children 0-1 year exhibited the highest prevalence 6 (4.00%) followed by those aged 2-3 years 4 (2.67%). E.coli was slightly higher among rural residence 7 (4.67%) than in urban 4 (2.67%), E.coli for feeding pattern is higher in children consuming other food daily 4(2.67%), E.coli prevalence associated with source of drinking water is observed among those using well water 6 (4.00%), similarly shared/public facilities were significantly associated with higher E.coli 9 (6.00%), the lower socio-economic group have the highest prevalence 7 (4.67%). The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern revealed that Ofloxacin 9 (81.8%) and Gentamycin 8 (72.7%) had the highest sensitivity against E.coli. This study identified crucial risk factors like inadequate breast feeding emphasizing the importance of strengthening public health program and promotes optimal infants feeding practices, hygiene education and safe water access. Future research can pave way for the development of effective diagnostics and targeted interventions.