[Epidemiological aspects of XXXX ].

@entity1 @entity2348 @entity344 @entity2432 @entity461 @entity2718
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate seasonal patterns and age-associated trends of the main bacterial, viral, and parasitic enteric pathogens in Southwest Germany. @entity1 AND METHODS: From January 2002 through December 2008 a total of 99,057 @entity1 were tested for Norovirus, Rotavirus, bacterial pathogens, @entity2432 ( @entity2432 ), and @entity461 ( @entity461 ). RESULTS: All these pathogens were detected throughout the whole year. But there were distinctive seasonal patterns of activity of the following pathogens being detected: norovirus was detected mainly from September through April. The highest rotovirus activity was observed from December through June. But bacterial pathogens und @entity2432 were found mainly from June to November. The percentage of positive results during the months with the highest activity was 10 - 49% for norovirus, 25% - 41% for rotavirus, 14 - 18% for @entity2348 and 3 - 4 % for @entity2432 . @entity461 and adenovirus were found throughout the year in 7 - 15% and 3 - 10% of samples, respectively. Moreover, the detection rate of different pathogens depended on @entity1 age. In @entity1 younger than one year, rotavirus, norovirus and adenovirus were most frequently isolated pathogenes. Stool samples from kindergarden- and school-age @entity1 were positive largely for bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella and Campylobacter particularly in late summer or early autum. In @entity1 older than 60 years, norovirus, rotavirus, and toxin producing @entity2718 strains were the most common pathogens. CONCLUSIONS: In view of the age and season related frequency of detection of enteric pathogens, a step-by-step diagnosis of @entity344 is recommended. Considering that most pathogens are detected sporadically over the whole year, the analysis of negative samples should be appropriately expanded. The knowledge of seasonal occurrence can also be applied to improve the application of hygienic measures.
