Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary site of infection in patients with diarrhea caused by toxin-producing pathogens?
What is the primary site of infection in patients with diarrhea caused by toxin-producing pathogens?
- Small intestine (correct)
- Large intestine
- Mucosal epithelial cells
- Liver
Which of the following pathogens is NOT associated with invasive diarrhea?
Which of the following pathogens is NOT associated with invasive diarrhea?
- STEC
- Clostridium difficile (correct)
- EAEC
- Shigella
What is the characteristic of diarrhea caused by invasive organisms in the large intestine?
What is the characteristic of diarrhea caused by invasive organisms in the large intestine?
- Fever and abdominal cramps
- Watery diarrhea
- Dysentery-like syndrome (correct)
- Nausea and vomiting
Which of the following underlying chronic gastrointestinal diseases may be unmasked or exacerbated by acute gastroenteritis?
Which of the following underlying chronic gastrointestinal diseases may be unmasked or exacerbated by acute gastroenteritis?
What is the characteristic of Campylobacter jejuni infection?
What is the characteristic of Campylobacter jejuni infection?
What is the treatment for Campylobacter jejuni infection?
What is the treatment for Campylobacter jejuni infection?
Which of the following is a common complication of enteric infection?
Which of the following is a common complication of enteric infection?
What is the usual prognosis of Campylobacter jejuni infection?
What is the usual prognosis of Campylobacter jejuni infection?
What is the definition of diarrhea?
What is the definition of diarrhea?
How many bowel movements per day are considered abnormal?
How many bowel movements per day are considered abnormal?
What is the duration of acute diarrhea?
What is the duration of acute diarrhea?
What is a risk factor for particular infectious diarrheal diseases?
What is a risk factor for particular infectious diarrheal diseases?
What can cause acute diarrhea?
What can cause acute diarrhea?
What is the most common cause of diarrhea in adults?
What is the most common cause of diarrhea in adults?
How can noroviruses be transmitted?
How can noroviruses be transmitted?
What is the duration of chronic diarrhea?
What is the duration of chronic diarrhea?
What is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide?
What is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide?
Which of the following viruses can cause postinfectious IBS?
Which of the following viruses can cause postinfectious IBS?
What is the usual route of transmission for Rotavirus?
What is the usual route of transmission for Rotavirus?
What is the typical duration of a Rotavirus infection?
What is the typical duration of a Rotavirus infection?
Which of the following bacteria causes diarrhea through the elaboration of enterotoxin?
Which of the following bacteria causes diarrhea through the elaboration of enterotoxin?
What is the common name for Norovirus infection?
What is the common name for Norovirus infection?
What is the primary treatment for Rotavirus infection?
What is the primary treatment for Rotavirus infection?
Which of the following is a common symptom of Norovirus infection?
Which of the following is a common symptom of Norovirus infection?
Adenoviruses are the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide
Adenoviruses are the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide
Norovirus is a type of bacterial infectious diarrhea
Norovirus is a type of bacterial infectious diarrhea
Rotavirus is spread by the respiratory route
Rotavirus is spread by the respiratory route
Hepatitis A virus is not a common cause of gastroenteritis
Hepatitis A virus is not a common cause of gastroenteritis
The treatment for Rotavirus infection includes the use of antibiotics
The treatment for Rotavirus infection includes the use of antibiotics
Norovirus infection can cause postinfectious IBS
Norovirus infection can cause postinfectious IBS
Staphylococcus aureus causes diarrhea through the production of localized inflammatory changes in the gut
Staphylococcus aureus causes diarrhea through the production of localized inflammatory changes in the gut
The duration of a Norovirus infection is typically 5-8 days
The duration of a Norovirus infection is typically 5-8 days
Chronic diarrhea, by definition, lasts less than 4 weeks.
Chronic diarrhea, by definition, lasts less than 4 weeks.
The normal frequency of bowel movements varies with each individual.
The normal frequency of bowel movements varies with each individual.
Medical conditions, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), can increase the risk of diarrheal diseases.
Medical conditions, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), can increase the risk of diarrheal diseases.
Noroviruses are the most common cause of diarrhea in children.
Noroviruses are the most common cause of diarrhea in children.
Occupation as a teacher or engineer is a risk factor for particular infectious diarrheal diseases.
Occupation as a teacher or engineer is a risk factor for particular infectious diarrheal diseases.
Consumption of cooked foods is a risk factor for particular infectious diarrheal diseases.
Consumption of cooked foods is a risk factor for particular infectious diarrheal diseases.
Acute diarrhea may be caused by a medical condition, such as diabetes.
Acute diarrhea may be caused by a medical condition, such as diabetes.
Noroviruses can be transmitted through contact with contaminated environmental surfaces.
Noroviruses can be transmitted through contact with contaminated environmental surfaces.
Toxin-producing pathogens directly invade the mucosal epithelial cells.
Toxin-producing pathogens directly invade the mucosal epithelial cells.
Campylobacter jejuni is a toxin-producing pathogen.
Campylobacter jejuni is a toxin-producing pathogen.
Invasive E. coli causes a dysentery-like syndrome.
Invasive E. coli causes a dysentery-like syndrome.
Acute gastroenteritis can unmask or exacerbate underlying chronic gastrointestinal diseases.
Acute gastroenteritis can unmask or exacerbate underlying chronic gastrointestinal diseases.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common complication of enteric infection.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common complication of enteric infection.
Campylobacter jejuni infection is typically treated with antibiotics.
Campylobacter jejuni infection is typically treated with antibiotics.
Salmonella is a common cause of invasive diarrhea.
Salmonella is a common cause of invasive diarrhea.
Diarrheagenic E. coli causes a dysentery-like syndrome.
Diarrheagenic E. coli causes a dysentery-like syndrome.
What is the most common viral cause of gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide?
What is the most common viral cause of gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide?
What is the common name for the Norovirus infection?
What is the common name for the Norovirus infection?
What is the primary route of transmission for Rotavirus?
What is the primary route of transmission for Rotavirus?
Which virus can cause postinfectious IBS?
Which virus can cause postinfectious IBS?
What is the primary treatment for Rotavirus infection?
What is the primary treatment for Rotavirus infection?
What are the two main mechanisms by which bacteria cause diarrhea?
What are the two main mechanisms by which bacteria cause diarrhea?
What is the typical duration of a Rotavirus infection?
What is the typical duration of a Rotavirus infection?
Which of the following viruses is a less frequent cause of gastroenteritis?
Which of the following viruses is a less frequent cause of gastroenteritis?
What is the characteristic of acute diarrhea in terms of its duration?
What is the characteristic of acute diarrhea in terms of its duration?
What type of living conditions can increase the risk of diarrheal diseases?
What type of living conditions can increase the risk of diarrheal diseases?
What is the most common cause of diarrhea in adults?
What is the most common cause of diarrhea in adults?
How can noroviruses be transmitted from person to person?
How can noroviruses be transmitted from person to person?
What is the definition of chronic diarrhea?
What is the definition of chronic diarrhea?
What is a risk factor for particular infectious diarrheal diseases?
What is a risk factor for particular infectious diarrheal diseases?
What can cause acute diarrhea?
What can cause acute diarrhea?
What is the characteristic of persistent diarrhea?
What is the characteristic of persistent diarrhea?
What is the main difference between diarrhea caused by toxin-producing pathogens and invasive organisms in the large intestine?
What is the main difference between diarrhea caused by toxin-producing pathogens and invasive organisms in the large intestine?
What is the potential long-term consequence of enteric infection, such as infections caused by Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, and diarrheagenic E. coli?
What is the potential long-term consequence of enteric infection, such as infections caused by Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, and diarrheagenic E. coli?
What is the common underlying condition that can be unmasked or exacerbated by acute gastroenteritis?
What is the common underlying condition that can be unmasked or exacerbated by acute gastroenteritis?
How do invasive organisms, such as Shigella, Salmonella, and invasive E. coli, cause diarrhea?
How do invasive organisms, such as Shigella, Salmonella, and invasive E. coli, cause diarrhea?
What is the typical duration of Campylobacter jejuni infection?
What is the typical duration of Campylobacter jejuni infection?
What is the main mode of transmission for Campylobacter jejuni infection?
What is the main mode of transmission for Campylobacter jejuni infection?
What is the common complication of enteric infection, such as infections caused by Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, and diarrheagenic E. coli?
What is the common complication of enteric infection, such as infections caused by Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, and diarrheagenic E. coli?
What is the primary site of infection in patients with diarrhea caused by invasive organisms, such as Shigella, Salmonella, and invasive E. coli?
What is the primary site of infection in patients with diarrhea caused by invasive organisms, such as Shigella, Salmonella, and invasive E. coli?
Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe _______________ in infants and young children worldwide
Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe _______________ in infants and young children worldwide
Rotavirus tends to be a seasonal infection, with peaks of _______________ occurring between November and February.
Rotavirus tends to be a seasonal infection, with peaks of _______________ occurring between November and February.
Norovirus may also cause _______________ IBS.
Norovirus may also cause _______________ IBS.
Bacteria cause diarrhea through the _______________ of enterotoxin.
Bacteria cause diarrhea through the _______________ of enterotoxin.
The treatment for Rotavirus infection includes the use of _______________ fluid and electrolyte replacement.
The treatment for Rotavirus infection includes the use of _______________ fluid and electrolyte replacement.
The duration of a Norovirus infection is typically _______________ hours.
The duration of a Norovirus infection is typically _______________ hours.
Hepatitis A virus is a less frequent viral cause of _______________.
Hepatitis A virus is a less frequent viral cause of _______________.
Norovirus infection is also known as the _______________ stomach flu.
Norovirus infection is also known as the _______________ stomach flu.
Patients with diarrhea caused by toxin producing pathogens have a watery diarrhea, which primarily involves the ______ intestine.
Patients with diarrhea caused by toxin producing pathogens have a watery diarrhea, which primarily involves the ______ intestine.
Diarrhea may be classified as _______________, persistent, or chronic.
Diarrhea may be classified as _______________, persistent, or chronic.
Invasive organisms produce a dysentery like syndrome characterized by fever, abdominal cramps, ______, and the frequent passage of small volume stools that may contain blood and mucus.
Invasive organisms produce a dysentery like syndrome characterized by fever, abdominal cramps, ______, and the frequent passage of small volume stools that may contain blood and mucus.
Enteric infection, most notably bacterial infection caused by Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, and diarrheagenic E. coli, can cause prolonged ______ dysfunction, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Enteric infection, most notably bacterial infection caused by Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, and diarrheagenic E. coli, can cause prolonged ______ dysfunction, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Having more than _______________ bowel movements per day is considered abnormal.
Having more than _______________ bowel movements per day is considered abnormal.
Epidemiologic factors that increase the risk for particular infectious diarrheal diseases include attendance or employment at _______________ centers.
Epidemiologic factors that increase the risk for particular infectious diarrheal diseases include attendance or employment at _______________ centers.
Acute gastroenteritis may also unmask or exacerbate underlying chronic gastrointestinal diseases, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or ______.
Acute gastroenteritis may also unmask or exacerbate underlying chronic gastrointestinal diseases, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or ______.
_______________ diarrhea, by definition, lasts more than 4 weeks.
_______________ diarrhea, by definition, lasts more than 4 weeks.
The symptoms of Campylobacter jejuni infection include nausea, vomiting, and ______ of 24-72 hours.
The symptoms of Campylobacter jejuni infection include nausea, vomiting, and ______ of 24-72 hours.
Noroviruses are the most common cause of diarrhea in _______________ and the second most common cause in children.
Noroviruses are the most common cause of diarrhea in _______________ and the second most common cause in children.
The treatment for Campylobacter jejuni infection includes ______ and electrolytes.
The treatment for Campylobacter jejuni infection includes ______ and electrolytes.
Acute diarrhea may also be caused by _______________, medications, or intolerance of certain foods.
Acute diarrhea may also be caused by _______________, medications, or intolerance of certain foods.
Campylobacter jejuni infection can cause prolonged bowel dysfunction, including ______ bowel syndrome (IBS).
Campylobacter jejuni infection can cause prolonged bowel dysfunction, including ______ bowel syndrome (IBS).
Campylobacter jejuni infection is usually ______, usually lasting.
Campylobacter jejuni infection is usually ______, usually lasting.
Congregate living conditions, such as _______________ homes, are epidemiologic factors that increase the risk for particular infectious diarrheal diseases.
Congregate living conditions, such as _______________ homes, are epidemiologic factors that increase the risk for particular infectious diarrheal diseases.
Consumption of _______________ or undercooked meat, eggs, and shellfish is a risk factor for particular infectious diarrheal diseases.
Consumption of _______________ or undercooked meat, eggs, and shellfish is a risk factor for particular infectious diarrheal diseases.
Match the following types of diarrhea with their duration:
Match the following types of diarrhea with their duration:
Match the following risk factors with the type of diarrhea they increase the risk for:
Match the following risk factors with the type of diarrhea they increase the risk for:
Match the following causes of diarrhea with their characteristics:
Match the following causes of diarrhea with their characteristics:
Match the following modes of transmission with the type of diarrhea they are associated with:
Match the following modes of transmission with the type of diarrhea they are associated with:
Match the following epidemiologic factors with the type of diarrhea they are associated with:
Match the following epidemiologic factors with the type of diarrhea they are associated with:
Match the following characteristics with the type of diarrhea they are associated with:
Match the following characteristics with the type of diarrhea they are associated with:
Match the following types of diarrhea with their potential causes:
Match the following types of diarrhea with their potential causes:
Match the following types of viruses with the type of diarrhea they cause:
Match the following types of viruses with the type of diarrhea they cause:
Match the following viral causes of gastroenteritis with their characteristics:
Match the following viral causes of gastroenteritis with their characteristics:
Match the following viral causes of gastroenteritis with their typical duration:
Match the following viral causes of gastroenteritis with their typical duration:
Match the following bacterial causes of gastroenteritis with their mechanisms of action:
Match the following bacterial causes of gastroenteritis with their mechanisms of action:
Match the following viral causes of gastroenteritis with their symptoms:
Match the following viral causes of gastroenteritis with their symptoms:
Match the following viral causes of gastroenteritis with their potential complications:
Match the following viral causes of gastroenteritis with their potential complications:
Match the following bacterial causes of gastroenteritis with their typical characteristics:
Match the following bacterial causes of gastroenteritis with their typical characteristics:
Match the following viral causes of gastroenteritis with their common names:
Match the following viral causes of gastroenteritis with their common names:
Match the following viral causes of gastroenteritis with their routes of transmission:
Match the following viral causes of gastroenteritis with their routes of transmission:
Match the following pathogens with their characteristic symptoms:
Match the following pathogens with their characteristic symptoms:
Match the following pathogens with their primary mode of transmission:
Match the following pathogens with their primary mode of transmission:
Match the following pathogens with their potential complications:
Match the following pathogens with their potential complications:
Match the following pathogens with their treatment:
Match the following pathogens with their treatment:
Match the following pathogens with their primary site of infection:
Match the following pathogens with their primary site of infection:
Match the following pathogens with their characteristic diarrhea:
Match the following pathogens with their characteristic diarrhea:
Match the following pathogens with their usual prognosis:
Match the following pathogens with their usual prognosis:
Match the following pathogens with their underlying chronic gastrointestinal diseases:
Match the following pathogens with their underlying chronic gastrointestinal diseases:
Match the following types of diarrhea with their duration:
Match the following types of diarrhea with their duration:
Match the following risk factors with their association with diarrheal diseases:
Match the following risk factors with their association with diarrheal diseases:
Match the following causes of diarrhea with their characteristics:
Match the following causes of diarrhea with their characteristics:
Match the following types of transmission with their association with noroviruses:
Match the following types of transmission with their association with noroviruses:
Match the following medical conditions with their association with diarrheal diseases:
Match the following medical conditions with their association with diarrheal diseases:
Match the following characteristics with their association with diarrhea:
Match the following characteristics with their association with diarrhea:
Match the following occupations with their association with increased risk of diarrheal diseases:
Match the following occupations with their association with increased risk of diarrheal diseases:
Match the following types of diarrhea with their treatment approach:
Match the following types of diarrhea with their treatment approach:
Match the following pathogens with their characteristic symptoms:
Match the following pathogens with their characteristic symptoms:
Match the following pathogens with their mode of transmission:
Match the following pathogens with their mode of transmission:
Match the following pathogens with their potential complications:
Match the following pathogens with their potential complications:
Match the following pathogens with their primary site of infection:
Match the following pathogens with their primary site of infection:
Match the following pathogens with their treatment:
Match the following pathogens with their treatment:
Match the following pathogens with their usual prognosis:
Match the following pathogens with their usual prognosis:
Match the following chronic gastrointestinal diseases with their potential unmasking or exacerbation by acute gastroenteritis:
Match the following chronic gastrointestinal diseases with their potential unmasking or exacerbation by acute gastroenteritis:
Match the following pathogens with their characteristic of causing invasive diarrhea:
Match the following pathogens with their characteristic of causing invasive diarrhea:
Match the following viruses with their characteristics in gastroenteritis:
Match the following viruses with their characteristics in gastroenteritis:
Match the following viruses with their transmission routes:
Match the following viruses with their transmission routes:
Match the following viral infections with their symptoms:
Match the following viral infections with their symptoms:
Match the following viral infections with their duration:
Match the following viral infections with their duration:
Match the following bacterial causes of gastroenteritis with their mechanisms of diarrhea:
Match the following bacterial causes of gastroenteritis with their mechanisms of diarrhea:
Match the following viruses with their potential complications:
Match the following viruses with their potential complications:
Match the following viral infections with their treatments:
Match the following viral infections with their treatments:
Match the following viral infections with their common names:
Match the following viral infections with their common names:
Study Notes
Diarrhea
- Characterized by an abnormal increase in stool frequency, liquidity, or weight
- Normal frequency of bowel movements varies with each individual, but having more than 3 bowel movements per day is considered abnormal
- Diarrhea can be acute, persistent, or chronic
Types of Diarrhea
- Acute diarrhea: symptoms lasting less than 14 days
- Persistent diarrhea: symptoms lasting 14 days to 4 weeks
- Chronic diarrhea: symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks
Epidemiologic Factors
- Attendance or employment at day care centers increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Occupation as a food handler or caregiver increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Congregate living conditions (e.g., nursing homes, prisons, and multifamily dwellings) increase the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Consumption of unsafe foods (e.g., raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and shellfish) increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Presence of medical conditions, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or diverticulitis, increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
Viral Gastroenteritis
- Noroviruses are the most common cause of diarrhea in adults and the second most common cause in children
- Noroviruses are transmitted by contaminated water or food, and can also be transmitted from person to person and through contact with contaminated environmental surfaces
- Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide
- Rotavirus tends to be a seasonal infection, with peaks of gastroenteritis occurring between November and February
Common Infectious Diarrheas and Their Treatment
- Rotavirus:
- Infects infants and young children
- Spread through oralfecal route
- Symptoms: vomiting, fever, nausea, acute watery diarrhea
- Treatment: vigorous fluid and electrolyte replacement
- Usual prognosis: self-limiting, usually lasts 5-8 days
- Norovirus:
- Infects all ages
- Frequently spread person to person by the fecaloral route
- Symptoms: sudden-onset vomiting, nausea, headache, myalgia, fever, watery diarrhea
- Treatment: fluid and electrolyte replacement
- Usual prognosis: self-limiting, usually lasts 12-60 hours
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
- Bacteria cause diarrhea through:
- Elaboration of enterotoxin (e.g., ETEC and Staphylococcus aureus)
- Attachment and production of localized inflammatory changes in the gut (e.g., enteroaggregative E.coli, enteropathogenic E.coli, STEC, and Clostridium difficile)
- Directly invading the mucosal epithelial cells (e.g., Shigella, Salmonella, Yersinia, Campylobacter jejuni, and invasive E.coli)
- Patients with diarrhea caused by toxin-producing pathogens have a watery diarrhea, which primarily involves the small intestine
- If the large intestine is the primary site of infection, invasive organisms produce a dysentery-like syndrome characterized by fever, abdominal cramps, tenesmus, and the frequent passage of small volume stools that may contain blood and mucus
Complications of Diarrhea
- Enteric infection, most notably bacterial infection caused by Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, and diarrheagenic E.coli, can cause prolonged bowel dysfunction, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Acute gastroenteritis may also unmask or exacerbate underlying chronic gastrointestinal diseases, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis
Diarrhea
- Characterized by an abnormal increase in stool frequency, liquidity, or weight
- Normal frequency of bowel movements varies with each individual, but having more than 3 bowel movements per day is considered abnormal
- Diarrhea can be acute, persistent, or chronic
Types of Diarrhea
- Acute diarrhea: symptoms lasting less than 14 days
- Persistent diarrhea: symptoms lasting 14 days to 4 weeks
- Chronic diarrhea: symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks
Epidemiologic Factors
- Attendance or employment at day care centers increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Occupation as a food handler or caregiver increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Congregate living conditions (e.g., nursing homes, prisons, and multifamily dwellings) increase the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Consumption of unsafe foods (e.g., raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and shellfish) increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Presence of medical conditions, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or diverticulitis, increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
Viral Gastroenteritis
- Noroviruses are the most common cause of diarrhea in adults and the second most common cause in children
- Noroviruses are transmitted by contaminated water or food, and can also be transmitted from person to person and through contact with contaminated environmental surfaces
- Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide
- Rotavirus tends to be a seasonal infection, with peaks of gastroenteritis occurring between November and February
Common Infectious Diarrheas and Their Treatment
- Rotavirus:
- Infects infants and young children
- Spread through oralfecal route
- Symptoms: vomiting, fever, nausea, acute watery diarrhea
- Treatment: vigorous fluid and electrolyte replacement
- Usual prognosis: self-limiting, usually lasts 5-8 days
- Norovirus:
- Infects all ages
- Frequently spread person to person by the fecaloral route
- Symptoms: sudden-onset vomiting, nausea, headache, myalgia, fever, watery diarrhea
- Treatment: fluid and electrolyte replacement
- Usual prognosis: self-limiting, usually lasts 12-60 hours
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
- Bacteria cause diarrhea through:
- Elaboration of enterotoxin (e.g., ETEC and Staphylococcus aureus)
- Attachment and production of localized inflammatory changes in the gut (e.g., enteroaggregative E.coli, enteropathogenic E.coli, STEC, and Clostridium difficile)
- Directly invading the mucosal epithelial cells (e.g., Shigella, Salmonella, Yersinia, Campylobacter jejuni, and invasive E.coli)
- Patients with diarrhea caused by toxin-producing pathogens have a watery diarrhea, which primarily involves the small intestine
- If the large intestine is the primary site of infection, invasive organisms produce a dysentery-like syndrome characterized by fever, abdominal cramps, tenesmus, and the frequent passage of small volume stools that may contain blood and mucus
Complications of Diarrhea
- Enteric infection, most notably bacterial infection caused by Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, and diarrheagenic E.coli, can cause prolonged bowel dysfunction, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Acute gastroenteritis may also unmask or exacerbate underlying chronic gastrointestinal diseases, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis
Diarrhea
- Characterized by an abnormal increase in stool frequency, liquidity, or weight
- Normal frequency of bowel movements varies with each individual, but having more than 3 bowel movements per day is considered abnormal
- Diarrhea can be acute, persistent, or chronic
Types of Diarrhea
- Acute diarrhea: symptoms lasting less than 14 days
- Persistent diarrhea: symptoms lasting 14 days to 4 weeks
- Chronic diarrhea: symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks
Epidemiologic Factors
- Attendance or employment at day care centers increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Occupation as a food handler or caregiver increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Congregate living conditions (e.g., nursing homes, prisons, and multifamily dwellings) increase the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Consumption of unsafe foods (e.g., raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and shellfish) increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Presence of medical conditions, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or diverticulitis, increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
Viral Gastroenteritis
- Noroviruses are the most common cause of diarrhea in adults and the second most common cause in children
- Noroviruses are transmitted by contaminated water or food, and can also be transmitted from person to person and through contact with contaminated environmental surfaces
- Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide
- Rotavirus tends to be a seasonal infection, with peaks of gastroenteritis occurring between November and February
Common Infectious Diarrheas and Their Treatment
- Rotavirus:
- Infects infants and young children
- Spread through oralfecal route
- Symptoms: vomiting, fever, nausea, acute watery diarrhea
- Treatment: vigorous fluid and electrolyte replacement
- Usual prognosis: self-limiting, usually lasts 5-8 days
- Norovirus:
- Infects all ages
- Frequently spread person to person by the fecaloral route
- Symptoms: sudden-onset vomiting, nausea, headache, myalgia, fever, watery diarrhea
- Treatment: fluid and electrolyte replacement
- Usual prognosis: self-limiting, usually lasts 12-60 hours
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
- Bacteria cause diarrhea through:
- Elaboration of enterotoxin (e.g., ETEC and Staphylococcus aureus)
- Attachment and production of localized inflammatory changes in the gut (e.g., enteroaggregative E.coli, enteropathogenic E.coli, STEC, and Clostridium difficile)
- Directly invading the mucosal epithelial cells (e.g., Shigella, Salmonella, Yersinia, Campylobacter jejuni, and invasive E.coli)
- Patients with diarrhea caused by toxin-producing pathogens have a watery diarrhea, which primarily involves the small intestine
- If the large intestine is the primary site of infection, invasive organisms produce a dysentery-like syndrome characterized by fever, abdominal cramps, tenesmus, and the frequent passage of small volume stools that may contain blood and mucus
Complications of Diarrhea
- Enteric infection, most notably bacterial infection caused by Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, and diarrheagenic E.coli, can cause prolonged bowel dysfunction, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Acute gastroenteritis may also unmask or exacerbate underlying chronic gastrointestinal diseases, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis
Diarrhea
- Characterized by an abnormal increase in stool frequency, liquidity, or weight
- Normal frequency of bowel movements varies with each individual, but having more than 3 bowel movements per day is considered abnormal
- Diarrhea can be acute, persistent, or chronic
Types of Diarrhea
- Acute diarrhea: symptoms lasting less than 14 days
- Persistent diarrhea: symptoms lasting 14 days to 4 weeks
- Chronic diarrhea: symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks
Epidemiologic Factors
- Attendance or employment at day care centers increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Occupation as a food handler or caregiver increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Congregate living conditions (e.g., nursing homes, prisons, and multifamily dwellings) increase the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Consumption of unsafe foods (e.g., raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and shellfish) increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Presence of medical conditions, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or diverticulitis, increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
Viral Gastroenteritis
- Noroviruses are the most common cause of diarrhea in adults and the second most common cause in children
- Noroviruses are transmitted by contaminated water or food, and can also be transmitted from person to person and through contact with contaminated environmental surfaces
- Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide
- Rotavirus tends to be a seasonal infection, with peaks of gastroenteritis occurring between November and February
Common Infectious Diarrheas and Their Treatment
- Rotavirus:
- Infects infants and young children
- Spread through oralfecal route
- Symptoms: vomiting, fever, nausea, acute watery diarrhea
- Treatment: vigorous fluid and electrolyte replacement
- Usual prognosis: self-limiting, usually lasts 5-8 days
- Norovirus:
- Infects all ages
- Frequently spread person to person by the fecaloral route
- Symptoms: sudden-onset vomiting, nausea, headache, myalgia, fever, watery diarrhea
- Treatment: fluid and electrolyte replacement
- Usual prognosis: self-limiting, usually lasts 12-60 hours
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
- Bacteria cause diarrhea through:
- Elaboration of enterotoxin (e.g., ETEC and Staphylococcus aureus)
- Attachment and production of localized inflammatory changes in the gut (e.g., enteroaggregative E.coli, enteropathogenic E.coli, STEC, and Clostridium difficile)
- Directly invading the mucosal epithelial cells (e.g., Shigella, Salmonella, Yersinia, Campylobacter jejuni, and invasive E.coli)
- Patients with diarrhea caused by toxin-producing pathogens have a watery diarrhea, which primarily involves the small intestine
- If the large intestine is the primary site of infection, invasive organisms produce a dysentery-like syndrome characterized by fever, abdominal cramps, tenesmus, and the frequent passage of small volume stools that may contain blood and mucus
Complications of Diarrhea
- Enteric infection, most notably bacterial infection caused by Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, and diarrheagenic E.coli, can cause prolonged bowel dysfunction, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Acute gastroenteritis may also unmask or exacerbate underlying chronic gastrointestinal diseases, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis
Diarrhea
- Characterized by an abnormal increase in stool frequency, liquidity, or weight
- Normal frequency of bowel movements varies with each individual, but having more than 3 bowel movements per day is considered abnormal
- Diarrhea can be acute, persistent, or chronic
Types of Diarrhea
- Acute diarrhea: symptoms lasting less than 14 days
- Persistent diarrhea: symptoms lasting 14 days to 4 weeks
- Chronic diarrhea: symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks
Epidemiologic Factors
- Attendance or employment at day care centers increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Occupation as a food handler or caregiver increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Congregate living conditions (e.g., nursing homes, prisons, and multifamily dwellings) increase the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Consumption of unsafe foods (e.g., raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and shellfish) increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Presence of medical conditions, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or diverticulitis, increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
Viral Gastroenteritis
- Noroviruses are the most common cause of diarrhea in adults and the second most common cause in children
- Noroviruses are transmitted by contaminated water or food, and can also be transmitted from person to person and through contact with contaminated environmental surfaces
- Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide
- Rotavirus tends to be a seasonal infection, with peaks of gastroenteritis occurring between November and February
Common Infectious Diarrheas and Their Treatment
- Rotavirus:
- Infects infants and young children
- Spread through oralfecal route
- Symptoms: vomiting, fever, nausea, acute watery diarrhea
- Treatment: vigorous fluid and electrolyte replacement
- Usual prognosis: self-limiting, usually lasts 5-8 days
- Norovirus:
- Infects all ages
- Frequently spread person to person by the fecaloral route
- Symptoms: sudden-onset vomiting, nausea, headache, myalgia, fever, watery diarrhea
- Treatment: fluid and electrolyte replacement
- Usual prognosis: self-limiting, usually lasts 12-60 hours
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
- Bacteria cause diarrhea through:
- Elaboration of enterotoxin (e.g., ETEC and Staphylococcus aureus)
- Attachment and production of localized inflammatory changes in the gut (e.g., enteroaggregative E.coli, enteropathogenic E.coli, STEC, and Clostridium difficile)
- Directly invading the mucosal epithelial cells (e.g., Shigella, Salmonella, Yersinia, Campylobacter jejuni, and invasive E.coli)
- Patients with diarrhea caused by toxin-producing pathogens have a watery diarrhea, which primarily involves the small intestine
- If the large intestine is the primary site of infection, invasive organisms produce a dysentery-like syndrome characterized by fever, abdominal cramps, tenesmus, and the frequent passage of small volume stools that may contain blood and mucus
Complications of Diarrhea
- Enteric infection, most notably bacterial infection caused by Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, and diarrheagenic E.coli, can cause prolonged bowel dysfunction, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Acute gastroenteritis may also unmask or exacerbate underlying chronic gastrointestinal diseases, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis
Diarrhea
- Characterized by an abnormal increase in stool frequency, liquidity, or weight
- Normal frequency of bowel movements varies with each individual, but having more than 3 bowel movements per day is considered abnormal
- Diarrhea can be acute, persistent, or chronic
Types of Diarrhea
- Acute diarrhea: symptoms lasting less than 14 days
- Persistent diarrhea: symptoms lasting 14 days to 4 weeks
- Chronic diarrhea: symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks
Epidemiologic Factors
- Attendance or employment at day care centers increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Occupation as a food handler or caregiver increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Congregate living conditions (e.g., nursing homes, prisons, and multifamily dwellings) increase the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Consumption of unsafe foods (e.g., raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and shellfish) increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
- Presence of medical conditions, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or diverticulitis, increases the risk of infectious diarrheal diseases
Viral Gastroenteritis
- Noroviruses are the most common cause of diarrhea in adults and the second most common cause in children
- Noroviruses are transmitted by contaminated water or food, and can also be transmitted from person to person and through contact with contaminated environmental surfaces
- Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide
- Rotavirus tends to be a seasonal infection, with peaks of gastroenteritis occurring between November and February
Common Infectious Diarrheas and Their Treatment
- Rotavirus:
- Infects infants and young children
- Spread through oralfecal route
- Symptoms: vomiting, fever, nausea, acute watery diarrhea
- Treatment: vigorous fluid and electrolyte replacement
- Usual prognosis: self-limiting, usually lasts 5-8 days
- Norovirus:
- Infects all ages
- Frequently spread person to person by the fecaloral route
- Symptoms: sudden-onset vomiting, nausea, headache, myalgia, fever, watery diarrhea
- Treatment: fluid and electrolyte replacement
- Usual prognosis: self-limiting, usually lasts 12-60 hours
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
- Bacteria cause diarrhea through:
- Elaboration of enterotoxin (e.g., ETEC and Staphylococcus aureus)
- Attachment and production of localized inflammatory changes in the gut (e.g., enteroaggregative E.coli, enteropathogenic E.coli, STEC, and Clostridium difficile)
- Directly invading the mucosal epithelial cells (e.g., Shigella, Salmonella, Yersinia, Campylobacter jejuni, and invasive E.coli)
- Patients with diarrhea caused by toxin-producing pathogens have a watery diarrhea, which primarily involves the small intestine
- If the large intestine is the primary site of infection, invasive organisms produce a dysentery-like syndrome characterized by fever, abdominal cramps, tenesmus, and the frequent passage of small volume stools that may contain blood and mucus
Complications of Diarrhea
- Enteric infection, most notably bacterial infection caused by Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, and diarrheagenic E.coli, can cause prolonged bowel dysfunction, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Acute gastroenteritis may also unmask or exacerbate underlying chronic gastrointestinal diseases, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis
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Learn about the characteristics of diarrhea, its types, and frequency. This quiz covers the definition, acute, persistent, and chronic diarrhea.
