Prevalence of Shigella among diarrheic children under-5 years of age attending at Mekelle health center, north Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Shigellosis is recognized as a major global public health problem especially in developing countries particularly in children under-5 years of age. Therefore; the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Shigella among diarrheic children under-5 years of age attending at Mekelle health center, north Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among diarrheic children under-5 years of age from March to May, 2012. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Study participants were recruited by convenience sampling technique. Shigella was isolated and identified using standard bacteriological techniques. RESULTS: A total of 241 study participants were included in the study. The overall prevalence of Shigella in this study was 13.3 % (32/241). High prevalence of Shigella (22.6 %) was revealed from the age group of 12–23 months. No Shigella was isolated from the age group of 0–5 months. Majority of the isolates of Shigella were from bloody and mucoid diarrhea. CONCLUSION: There was high prevalence of Shigella infection in this study. Children among the age group of 12–23 months were highly affected. Therefore; responsible bodies should work hard on preventive measures to reduce or eradicate the problem occurred due to shigellosis.