Epidemic of Bloody Diarrhea in Cameroon
Author Information
Author(s): Patrick Cunin, Etienne Tedjouka, Yves Germani, Chouaibou Ncharre, Raymond Bercion, Jacques Morvan, Paul M.V. Martin
Primary Institution: Centre Pasteur du Cameroun
Hypothesis
Is Escherichia coli O157 responsible for the bloody diarrhea epidemic in Cameroon?
Conclusion
The study identified multiple pathogens, including E. coli O157:H7, as contributors to a severe bloody diarrhea epidemic in Cameroon.
Supporting Evidence
- 298 cases of bloody diarrhea were reported during the epidemic.
- The case-fatality rate was 16.4%, with higher rates in older women.
- Multiple pathogens, including E. coli O157:H7, were isolated from patients.
- Poor sanitation and lack of treatment contributed to the epidemic's severity.
- Transmission appeared to be person-to-person rather than from a common source.
Takeaway
A lot of people in a small village got very sick from diarrhea, and doctors found a new type of germ that can make people sick.
Methodology
Patients were treated and data collected on demographics, symptoms, and pathogens through stool and serum specimen analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to non-randomized treatment groups and reliance on observational data.
Limitations
The study could not conduct a detailed case-control study due to communication difficulties and specimen processing delays.
Participant Demographics
The affected population included both sexes and various age groups, with a notable higher attack rate among females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 2.2-11.5
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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