A 1.5-year-old Iranian boy presented with acute gastroenteritis, characterized by fever, vomiting, and non-bloody diarrhea. Initial stool culture did not identify common bacterial pathogens. Subsequent molecular analysis using PCR and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene from the stool sample revealed the presence of *Escherichia albertii*. This case represents the first reported identification of *E. albertii* in Iran, highlighting the importance of advanced diagnostic techniques beyond routine culture for emerging enteropathogens. The patient recovered with supportive care.
Key note: Standard diagnostic methods may miss emerging enteropathogens like *Escherichia albertii*, necessitating molecular approaches for accurate identification in pediatric gastroenteritis.