Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli Pathotypes Among Under-Five Children Presenting With Acute Diarrhea in Northern Nigeria

Background

Diarrheal diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in Nigeria. Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli comprises several pathotypes capable of causing severe gastrointestinal infections through distinct virulence mechanisms. Accurate identification of these pathotypes is essential for understanding disease epidemiology and informing preventive interventions. Conventional diagnostic methods often fail to differentiate pathogenic strains from commensal organisms. Molecular characterization of virulence genes provides valuable insights into circulating strains and their public health significance. This study seeks to investigate the prevalence and molecular characteristics of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli among under-five children with acute diarrhea.

Research Objectives

• Determine the prevalence of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli among diarrheal cases.
• Identify major diarrheagenic pathotypes using molecular methods.
• Characterize virulence genes associated with pathogenic strains.
• Assess antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolates.
• Evaluate demographic factors associated with infection.

Research Questions

• What is the prevalence of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli among affected children?
• Which pathotypes are most frequently detected?
• What virulence genes are present among isolates?
• What are the antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolates?
• Which demographic factors are associated with infection?

Suggested Methodology

Suggested Sample

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