Non-diarrhoeal increased frequency of bowel movements (IFoBM-ND): Enterovirus association with the symptoms in children

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Non-diarrhoeal increased frequency of bowel movements (IFoBM-ND): Enterovirus association with the symptoms in children

Author : Dr C Durga Rao

Year : 2014

Publisher : BMJ Publishing Groupsubscriptions@bmjgroup.com

Source Title : BMJ Open Gastroenterology

Document Type :

Abstract

Objective: Infectious and non-infectious causes are associated with increased frequency of bowel movements (IFoBM). But, a viral aetiology to nondiarrhoeal IFoBM (IFoBM-ND) has not been described. Owing to an accidental infection by an echovirus 19 strain, persistent diarrhoea-Associated virus, isolated from a child with persistent diarrhoea, DCR experienced persistent IFoBM-ND with an urgency to pass apparently normal stools more than once each day for about 3 months. A follow-up study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of IFoBM-ND, and association of non-polio enteroviruses (NPEVs) with the symptom in infants from birth to 2 years. Design: A cohort of 140 newborns was followed for 6 months to 2 years from birth for IFoBM-ND. Stool samples collected every 14 days were examined for NPEVs, rotavirus and other viral/bacterial agents for their possible association with IFoBM-ND and diarrhoea. Results: Of 403 NPEV infection episodes among 4545 oral polio vaccine strains-negative stool samples, approximately 29% were associated with IFoBM-ND (15% acute and 14% persistent), including resolution of 74% of constipation episodes, and 18% with diarrhoea, suggesting that about 47% of NPEV infection episodes in children below 2 years of age are associated with gastrointestinal symptoms. About 83% of IFoBM-ND episodes are associated with the NPEV infection and 17% of the episodes are of unknown aetiology. Conclusions: NPEV is the single most frequently detected viral agent in children with IFoBM-ND and its association with the symptom is highly significant, warranting detailed investigations on the role of NPEVs in gastrointestinal diseases.