Etiologic Study of Diarrheal Disease in Vietnam *

Authors:
  • DFDavid W. Forman
    David W. Forman
  • MTMyron J. Tong
    Myron J. Tong
  • JCJohn H. Cross
    John H. Cross
  • KMK. Darwin Murrell
    K. Darwin Murrell
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Abstract
Bacteriological and parasitological studies were performed on stool specimens from 987 U. S. Marines admitted to a hospital because of diarrhea; more than one-half had recently returned from field operations. Infection with Shigella spp. was proved in 290 (29.5%) of the cases. Hookworm infection was found in 45 cases (4.5%), Strongyloides stercoralis in 5 (0.4%), Giardia lamblia in 26 (2.6%), and Entamoeba histolytica in 36 (3.6%). No specific pathogens were found in the stools of 555 patients (56.5%). Other diseases in which diarrhea was a main presenting symptom included Plasmodium falciparum malaria, tropical sprue, hepatitis, and heat exhaustion. Additional studies are needed to identify the many undiagnosed cases of diarrhea.