Abstract

RODRIGUEZ, Eva et al. Epidemiología. Arch Venez Puer Ped [online]. 2010, vol.73, n.1, pp.028-034. ISSN 0004-0649.

Diarrheal diseases constitute a global problem, with high rates of morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. Venezuela, for 2008, presented 1,768,509 cases of diarrhea, with 40% in children under 5 years. The total number of deaths in children under 5 years of age in the period 2000-2007 was 9311, being the third leading cause in this age group. Among causing bacterias, Salmonella is the most isolated in outbreaks. In children under 6 years, E. Coli was the principal agent, followed by E coli. enteroinvasive, Aeromonas sp., Salmonella sp. and Shigella. Campylobacter is one of the most common bacteria in the feces of infants and children in developing countries. In some countries, Vibrium Cholera and Clostridium difficile should be considered. In infants and preschool children, viral etiology is the most frequent and rotavirus the most common agent, causing about 15,000 deaths annually in the region of the Americas. Other viruses that cause diarrhea are the caliciviruses and adenoviruses. Risk factors are related to the environment, lifestyles, factors dependent on human biology and health care systems. The most important prevention and control measures are the promotion of breastfeeding, proper habits of hygiene and sanitation, proper use of antibiotics, oral and intravenous rehydration therapies, immunizations, improvement of sanitary conditions and efficient surveillance systems.

Keywords : Morbidity; Mortality; Risk factors; prevention measures; Acute Diarrhea.