Population-Based Incidence of Infection With Selected Bacterial Enteric Pathogens in Children Younger Than Five Years of Age, 1996–1998

• DOI: 10.1097/01.inf.0000199289.62733.d5
• Publication Date: 2006-02-03T09:02:11Z
• Authors: Kathleen M. Koehler; Tamar Lasky; Sara B. Fein; Stephanie M. DeLong; Marguerite A. Haw...; Therese Rabatsky-Ehr; Susan M. Ray; Beletshachew Shif...; Ellen Swanson; Duc J. Vugia
• Keywords: Incidence; Infant, Newborn; Infant; Campylobacter; Bacterial Infections; Listeria monocytogenes; Gastroenteritis; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Risk Factors; Child, Preschool; Population Surveillance; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Humans; Seasons

Previous studies of bacterial enteric infections have suggested a disproportionate disease burden for children younger than 5 years of age.This study describes population-based incidence of culture-confirmed infections with 6 bacterial enteric pathogens in children younger than 5 years of age in the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet), 1996-1998.Cases were ascertained through active laboratory-based surveillance in Minnesota, Oregon and selected counties in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland and New York.Twenty-one percent (5218 of 24,358) of infections were in children younger than 5 years of age, but this age group made up only 7% of the total person-years of observation. Among those younger than 5 years of age, the incidence (cases per 100,000 person-years) for each pathogen was: Salmonella, 55.3; Campylobacter, 43.4; Shigella, 32.7; E. coli O157, 10.3; Yersinia enterocolitica, 7.1; Listeria monocytogenes, 0.7. Incidence varied widely among the 7 FoodNet sites.This study confirmed a disproportionate disease burden in young children. Investigation of risk factors specific to this age group and review and enhancement of current prevention and control strategies for children younger than 5 years of age may reduce illness.