 The study aimed to estimate pathogen-specific burdens of diarrhea in the community by conducting a birth cohort study with intensive community surveillance for diarrhea and routine collection of non-diarrheal stools from eight sites in South America, Africa and Asia. The study enrolled children within 17 days of birth, and diarrhea episodes were identified through twice-weekly home visits by field workers over a follow-up period of 24 months. Non-diarrheal stool specimens were also collected for surveillance for months 1-12, 15, 18, 21 and 24. Stools were analyzed for a broad range of enteropathogens using culture, enzyme immunoassay and PCR. Be adjusted atribut. This article was authored by James A. Plattsmills, MD, C. D. Babji, MD, Laddaporn Bodidata, MD, and others.