小児の感染性胃腸炎における年齢分布

Abstract

Age distributions were studied in children with pathogen proven infectious gastroenteritis. Between 1998 and 2002, 214 patients were enrolled in this study. Causative agents include rotavirus (n=141), Norwalk virus (n=23), enteric adenovirus (n=6), Salmonella spp.(n=27), Campylobacter jejini (n=16) and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (n=1). Of the viral agents, rotavirus infections occurred mostly in children younger than 2 yr (but older than 6 mo), with highest frequency in infants from 12 to 24 months of age; none of the patients 8 yr of age or older were affected. On the other hand, Norwalk virus infections were involved not only in infants but also in older children. Enteric adenovirus (serotype 40/41) infections occurred in children under 7 yr of age. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in morbid age between rotavirus infections and Norwalk virus infections. Of the bacterial agents, nontyphoidal Salmonellosis was prevalent in younger children, those aged 0 to 6 yr accounted for 85%. In contrast, C. jejuni infections involved school- age children; those 7 yr of age or older accounted for 50%. There was a statistically significant difference in morbid age between Salmonellosis and C. jejuni infections. Age distribution of patients shows a characteristic pattern in each causative agent not only in viral gastroenteritis but also in bacterial enterocolitis; so that analyses of age distribution are useful for empiric therapy in children with infectious gastroenteritis.