Correlation between gut pathogens and fecal calprotectin levels in young children with acute diarrhea

Yanever Angela Lam; Sarah M. Warouw; Audrey M.I. Wahani; Jeanette I.C. Manoppo; Praevilia Margareth Salendu

doi:10.14238/pi54.4.2014.193-7

Yanever Angela Lam Department of Child Health, Sam Ratulangi University Medical School/Prof DR. R. D. Kandou Hospital Manado
Sarah M. Warouw Department of Child Health, Sam Ratulangi University Medical School/Prof DR. R. D. Kandou Hospital Manado
Audrey M.I. Wahani Department of Child Health, Sam Ratulangi University Medical School/Prof DR. R. D. Kandou Hospital Manado
Jeanette I.C. Manoppo Department of Child Health, Sam Ratulangi University Medical School/Prof DR. R. D. Kandou Hospital Manado
Praevilia Margareth Salendu Department of Child Health, Sam Ratulangi University Medical School/Prof DR. R. D. Kandou Hospital Manado

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14238/pi54.4.2014.193-7

Keywords: intestinal pathogens, fecal calprotectin, acute diarrhea, children

Abstract

Background In cases of acute diarrhea, it is difficult to distinguish
between bact erial and non-bacterial causes . Increased fecal
calprotectin (f-CP) level is a marker of neutrophil migration in the
intestinal lumen and is associated with intes tinal inflammation.
Previous studies reported an increase in f-CP levels in children
with acute diarrhea, which is caused by bacteria, but only few
have studied the relationship between intestinal pathogens with
f-CP levels in acute diarrhea.
Objective To assess for a correlation between gut pathogens and
fecal calprotectin levels in children with acute diarrhea.
Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study between July
to November 2012 on children aged 1-5 ye ars with acute
diarrhea, and underwent routine blood tests, stool microscopy,
f-CP tests, and stool cultures. We used a simple linear regression
and correlation analysis with a significance level of P< 0.05.
Results Forty-two children enrolled in this study. The mean age of
subjects was 2.27 (SD 134) years. Theirmeanf-CP level was 93.88
(SD 14.68) Î¼g/g. On microscopic stool examination, 26 patients
( 61.9%) had positive leukocytes, 1 had Ancy lo stoma duodenale, 1
had Ascaris lumbricoides, and 2 had Blastocystis hominis. Positive
stool cultures were found in 14 children (33.3%) with acute
diarrhea. There was a significant positive correlation between gut
pathogens and f-CP levels (r=0.605; P< 0.0001).
Conclusion In young children with acute diarrhea, the average
f-CP levels are higher in those with positive intestinal pathogens.

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