Acute Bloody Diarrhea Cases in Wales
Author Information
Author(s): Rachel M. Chalmers, Roland L. Salmon
Primary Institution: Public Health Laboratory Service Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (Wales)
Hypothesis
The study aimed to estimate the cases of acute bloody diarrhea in Wales and identify the etiologic agents.
Conclusion
The study found an estimated annual rate of 18 cases of acute bloody diarrhea per 100,000 population in Wales.
Supporting Evidence
- 81 cases of acute bloody diarrhea were reported during the study period.
- Most cases (80%) were due to Campylobacter or Salmonella.
- 91% of patients supplied stool specimens for testing.
Takeaway
Doctors in Wales reported cases of bloody diarrhea to find out how common it is and what causes it. They found that many cases were due to germs like Campylobacter and Salmonella.
Methodology
The study used surveillance by a sentinel group of volunteer general practitioners to report cases and analyze data on acute bloody diarrhea.
Limitations
The study cannot measure the true prevalence of acute bloody diarrhea and is limited by the low frequency of cases.
Participant Demographics
The study included a registered practice population of 223,465 in Wales, with a focus on young children and women aged 25-44.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 21 to 44 for 1997; 95% CI = 37 to 65 for 1998.
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