[Acute childhood gastroenteritis study at Central University Hospital of Pointe-à-Pitre/Abymes, Guadeloupe, from November 1997 to March 1998].

To determine the role of enteric pathogens in acute childhood diarrhoea in Guadeloupe, 161 children (108 cases and 53 controls) from 0 to 2 years of age, admitted to Pointe-à-Pitre/Abymes University Hospital, were evaluated over a five-month period. A known enteric pathogen was identified in 40.8% of children. The most commonly identified aetiologic agents were Salmonella (16.7% of cases), especially Haddar serotype and Rotavirus (20.5%). This virus was isolated more often in the dry season. Adenovirus were detected in 3.6% of diarrhoeal stools and were not significatively associated with diarrhoeal disease. No Shigella, Campylobacter or parasites were found.