Prevalence of Diarrhoea Causing Microorganisms among Children that are Exclusively Breastfed and those on Weaning Foods.

Diarrhoea is an intestinal disorder characterized by abnormal fluidity and frequency of fecal evacuations. Weaning is a gradual process, extending from the time when baby is solely breast fed, until he is feeding entirely on the adult diet. The period of weaning is a major factor to favor the occurrence of diarrhoea. Hydration therapy, severe malnutrition, frequent vomiting, low socioeconomic status, and the presence of associated major infections are recognized risk factors for the development of dehydration in children with diarrhea. To determine the prevalence of diarrhoea causing microorganisms among children that are exclusively breastfed and those on weaning foods. Fresh stool specimens were collected from each patient in sterile widemouth plastic universal containers labeled with the name, sex and age of the patient. About 10 ml of stool was obtained from nylon diapers of each child with sterile plastic spoons, placed in sterile plastic universal specimen containers and were taken to the laboratory for microbiological studies, which included culture, isolation of bacteria and microscopy for detection of parasites. This study has shown that infants who are exclusively breastfed from birth to six months of age have a significantly lower prevalence of diarrhoea than those infants who are not exclusively breastfed. The present study has provided insight into the burden of infantile diarrhoea in Nigeria. As a public health measure to reduce the disease burden, an integrated package of immunization services and other childcare programs need to be implemented in addition to well-focused healtheducation messages to improve treatmentseeking behavior for childhood diarrhoea as well as improved personal and environmental hygiene.