Subjects’ Sociodemographics Influence the Transmission Patterns of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli Pathotypes among Children under 5 Years in Nakuru County

Abstract

Background: Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) infections constitute the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children in Sub‑Saharan Africa. However, little has so far been done to properly reveal the pathogenic endowments of DEC in these populations. Aims and Objectives: We evaluated 4 DEC strains among children under 5 years. Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional study design was employed among 384 positive cases. Results: There was a significant decline in infections associated with DEC as the children grew older (χ2[12] = 87.366: P = [0.000]. A total of 56 (14.6%) cases were 0–12 months, 168 (43.8%) were 13–24 months, 88 (22.9%) were 25–36 months, 40 (10.4%) were 37–48 months, and 32 (8.3%) were 49–60 months. A total of 248 (64.6%) male subjects exhibited more susceptibility to DEC infections than their female counterparts (n = 136 [35.4%]) (χ2[3] =13.313: P = [0.004]. Subjects from urban areas (n = 248 [64.6%]), significantly bored the brunt of infections than those from rural areas (n = 136 [35.4%]) (χ2[3] = 35.147: P = [0.000]. The prevalence of DEC appeared significantly higher during rainy seasons (n = 269 [70.1%]). Conclusion: Young age, male gender, crowding, and rainy season play a central role in the transmission of DEC pathotypes. Keywords: Children, diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, Nakuru County, pathotypes, prevalence