Isolation of Escherichia coli and Its Associated Risk Factor from Diarrheic Children in Wolaita Sodo Town, Southern Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION: Escherichia coli are among the major causes of mortality and morbidity in under-five children in developing nations including Ethiopia. METHODS: A non-analytical observational study design followed by a purposive sampling technique was conducted from October 2017 to June 2018, to isolate Escherichia coli and determine its associated risk factors from diarrheic children that were admitted to Christian hospital, Wolaita Sodo town. E. coli was confirmed using standard culture and biochemical analyses of the bacterium. In addition, a semi-structured questionnaire was provided to evaluate the potential risk factors that contribute to diarrhea in children. RESULTS: The overall isolation rate of E. coli in diarrheic children was 61.8% (68/110) (95% CI: 52.1–70.9%). Factors such as age, contact with either animals or manure, negligence to handwashing before a meal with soap, and exclusive breastfeeding at six months (p<0.05) has significant contribution to the prevalence of the E. coli in diarrheic children. The odds of being infected were highest in children whose caretakers had a habit of the negligence of handwashing before the meal (AOR = 6; 95% CI 30.8–49.8%; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Improving the hygienic practices amongst parents of children reduces its Escherichia coli occurrence. Furthermore, awareness of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding to parents of children should be maximized.