Infectious Diarrhoea

Question 1

what is infectious diarrhoea

Answer 1

occurs when food/ drink contaminated with E.coli is ingested

Question 2

what is the causative agent of infectious diarrhoea

Answer 2

Escherichia coli

Question 3

what type of bacteria is E.coli

Answer 3

gram negative, rod shaped

Question 4

when does E.coli colonise the gastrointestinal tract in life

Answer 4

few hours after birth

Question 5

can E.coli become pathogenic

Answer 5

yes

by acquiring virulence factors or genetic mutations

Question 6

aetiology of infectious diarrhoea

Answer 6

Infection by pathogenic strains occurs through ingestion, usually via contaminated food or water.

Question 7

presenting symptoms of infectious diarrhoea

Answer 7

diarrhoea,

history of travel/ unknown food

abdominal discomfort/ pain

volume depletion

fever/ malaise/ nausea

Question 8

risk factors for developing infectious diarrhoea

Answer 8

travel

contaminated food/ water

poor hygiene

Question 9

what investigations will be done for suspected infectious diarrhoea

Answer 9

stool culture (E.coli)

FBC (high WCC, low Hb)

renal and liver function tests

Question 10

management for infectious diarrhoea

Answer 10

rehydration (oral or IV saline 0.9%)

anti motility agent

Bismuth subsalicylate (used to treat diarrhoea, NOT FOR CHILDREN BELOW 12)