Background: Enteropathogenic ٍEscherichia coli (EPEC) is the most important diarrheagenic agent among children in developing countries. However, recent studies have shown its prevalence in developed countries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and multi-drug resistant (MDR) of EPEC isolated from children under 5 years of age with diarrhea hospitalized in Kashan Shahid Beheshti hospital during 2009-10.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study 313 fecal specimens were collected using rectal swab method from all children under 5 years of age with diarrhea hospitalized in Kashan Shahid Beheshti Hospital during 2009-10. Specimens were examined by PCR test to determine the eae Gene for detection of EPEC pathotype. The isolated multi-drug resistance pattern of EPEC was evaluated by disk diffusion agar. The antimicrobial disks used were ampicillin, nalidixic acid, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, cefalexin, ceftazidime, streptomycin and imipenem.

Results: Of all 178 E. coli cases 51 (28.6%) EPEC pathotypes were isolated. The prevalence of EPEC was higher in children under 1 year of age. MDR rate in EPEC was 70.6%.

Conclusion: The exact application of antibiogram test is necessary before antibiotic prescription for complete treatment and prevention of diarrhea caused by multi-drug resistance agents.