The aetiology of infectious intestinal disease in the community in Malta

Routine sources of data provide limited information on aetiological agents causing infectious intestinal disease (IID) in the community. A retrospective, age-stratified, cross-sectional, telephone study at community level was performed whereby identified cases were asked to submit stools for analysis. Of a total of 3504 persons who participated, 99 respondents were suffering from IID. Of these, 37.4% (n=37) cases submitted stools for analysis. These samples were analysed for bacteria (Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, Shigella), protozoa and viruses (rotavirus, norovirus). Salmonella goldcoast was identified in 2.7% (n=1 of 37 tested) of cases, rotavirus in 10% (n=3 of 30 tested) of cases and norovirus in 20% (n=6 of 30 tested) of cases. This study describes norovirus being the commonest aetiological cause of IID in the community of Malta, which along with the data from the national surveillance system is of value in planning policies for the control of infectious intestinal disease.

peer-reviewed