This highyield illustrated notes is about Bacterial causes of Diarrhea
Table of Contents
1. Bacillus cereus associated diarrhea
- Diarrhea – watery and non-bloody
- Abdominal cramping within 8-18 hours
- Ingestion of performed toxin in starchy foods such as rice
- Management: supportive care (antibiotics are ineffective against toxins)
2. Staphylococcus aureus associated diarrhea
- Vomiting abdominal pain
- Short incubation period (2–6 hours)
- Diarrhea not typical but may occur. Non-bloody in nature
- Caused by preformed toxin with rapid onset of symptoms
3. Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea
- Abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, possible fever
- Bloody stools unusual
- Associated with antibiotic exposure
- Treatment: Oral vancomycin, metronidazole, or fidaxomicin
4. Clostridium perfringens associated diarrhea
- Brief illness with watery diarrhea, cramps and fever
- Associated with undercooked or unrefrigerated food
5. Salmonella associated diarrhea
- Watery diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain and vomiting
- Associated with raw undercooked foods especially poultry and eggs
- Antibiotic treatment needed only for severe disease or immunocompromised patients
6. Vibrio vulnificus associated diarrhea
- Vomiting diarrhea and abdominal pain
- Associated with raw or undercooked shellfish
- May cause invasive and life-threatening disease in immunocompromised patients or those with liver disease
7. Escherichia coli associated diarrhea
- Watery diarrhea, may be bloody if associated with enterohemorrhagic ( shiga-like toxin producing) strain
- O157:H7 is most common serotype in US
- Enterotoxigenic E coli (ETEC) causes Traveler’s diarrhea (Watery)
- Enteropathogenic E coli (EPEC) causes diarrhea in Children (Paediatric)
- Associated with undercooked beef or foods contaminated with bovine faces
8. Shigella associated diarrhea
- Bloody diarrhea with fever and often bacteraemia
- Associated with contaminated food or water especially during travel outside the United States
9. Campylobacter species associated diarrhea
- Abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea
- Highest incidence in children and young adults
- Associated with raw or uncooked meats
10. Vibrio cholerae associated diarrhea
- Profuse rice-water diarrhea via enterotoxin
- Transmitted via ingestion of contaminated water or uncooked food (eg, raw shell fish).
- Treat promptly with oral rehydration solution
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