Microbiological quality of complementary foods and its association with diarrhoeal morbidity and nutritional status of Bangladeshi children

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:To examine the bacteriological quality of complementary foods (CF) and to correlate the results with diarrhoeal morbidity and nutritional status of Bangladeshi children aged 6-24 months. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 212 CF samples were tested, of which 72 were collected immediately before the first time of feeding (p1 h of food preparation) and 140 were collected at second/third time of feeding from 140 households located in urban and rural areas of Bangladesh. Anthropometry, food frequency data and demographic information of the children were collected. RESULTS: Of the first time feeding samples, 3% from each of urban and rural areas were found to be contaminated with faecal coliforms (FC) at X100 CFU/g. E. coli was isolated from 11% and 6% of samples, and B. cereus from 8% and 6% of samples from urban and rural areas, respectively. In contrast, 33% of the second/third time feeding samples from urban areas and 19% from rural areas were contaminated with FC at X100 CFU/g (Po0.05). E. coli was isolated from 40% and 39% of samples, and B. cereus from 33% and 26% of samples from urban and rural areas, respectively. Significantly high numbers of wasted rural children had CF with a high aerobic plate count, which was also significantly associated with diarrhoeal morbidity in children. CONCLUSIONS: Around 40% of CF samples were contaminated with E. coli, which was mainly attributable to food preparation practices. Consumption of contaminated CF appeared to be associated with a higher frequency of diarrhoea and malnutrition in children.

Vitamin-D status is not a confounder of the relationship between zinc and diarrhoea: a study in 6–24-month-old underweight and normal-weight children of urban Bangladesh

“…40 Similar to other studies, 2,41 we also found that the risk of incidence and severity of diarrhoea were significantly less among older children groups in all models tested. Children aged 6-11 months are in a critical transitional period because of the introduction of complementary food that leads them to be exposed to the environment, as well as pathogenic microorganisms, 42 which increase the risk of diarrhoeal diseases among young age group. In the final model, girls had significantly less risk of diarrhoea than boys after adjusting for all other potential confounders.…”

Children living in the slums of Bangladesh face risks from unsafe food and water and stunted growth is common

“…A study conducted in Nigeria reported that most diarrhoeal episodes occurred in children aged less than two, which corresponded with the weaning period (7). A similar study conducted in Bangladesh found that 40% of complementary food consumed by children was contaminated with Escherichia coli, and this was mainly attributable to poor food preparation techniques (5).…”

Handwashing before Food Preparation and Child Feeding: A Missed Opportunity for Hygiene Promotion

“…[12][13][14] In one study in Bangladesh, 40% of complementary foods were contaminated with a high concentration of pathogenic bacteria. 12 Unhygienic preparation of foods can cause contamination. Food contact with unwashed hands can be a source of diarrhea pathogens.…”