Measles-associated diarrhea in hospitalized children in Lima, Peru: pathogenic agents and impact on growth

J Infect Dis. 1991 Mar;163(3):495-502. doi: 10.1093/infdis/163.3.495.

Abstract

Because the causes of measles-associated diarrhea are not well known, 0- to 5-year-old children presenting to the hospital with measles-associated diarrhea (cases, n = 77) or acute diarrhea only (controls, n = 77) were compared. Growth and diarrheal morbidity were evaluated for 1 month after acute illness. Campylobacter jejuni was more frequently isolated from cases (31%) than controls (16%; P = .03). Rotavirus was absent in all cases versus 28% of controls (P less than .001). Incidence density for new episodes of diarrhea was significantly greater in cases (6.5 vs. 4.1; odds ratio, 1.6; confidence intervals, 1.09-2.34; P = .01), as was duration of episodes (3 vs. 2 days, P = .02). Both groups showed similar positive cumulative percentage weight gains throughout follow-up. These data support the theory of measles as a risk factor for developing diarrhea. The bacteriologic and virologic findings may reflect the immunologic response of the host to measles infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Anthropometry
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diarrhea / microbiology*
  • Diarrhea / parasitology
  • Diarrhea / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Growth*
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Measles / complications*
  • Measles / physiopathology
  • Peru