Bacterial gastroenteritis Health Article

Definition

Bacterial gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by bacteria or bacterial toxins.

See also: Food poisoning

Alternative Names

Infectious diarrhea - bacterial gastroenteritis; Acute gastroenteritis; Gastroenteritis - bacterial

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Many different types of bacteria can produce the symptoms associated with bacterial gastroenteritis, including:

• Campylobacter jejuni
• Clostridium
• E. coli
• Salmonella
• Shigella
• Staphylococcus
• Yersinia

Some sources of the infection are:

• Bakery products
• Dairy products
• Improperly prepared food
• Reheated meat dishes
• Seafood

Risk factors are:

• Consumption of improperly prepared foods or contaminated water
• Travel or residence in areas of poor sanitation

The incidence is 1 in 1,000 people.

Related topics:

• Campylobacter enteritis
• E coli enteritis
• Food poisoning
• Salmonella enteritis
• Shigella enteritis
• Staph aureus food poisoning

Symptoms

Each organism causes slightly different symptoms but all result in diarrhea. Other symptoms include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Abdominal pain
• Bloody stools
• Colitis
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting

Signs and tests

• Examination of food for toxin and bacteria
• Stool culture positive for the organism that causes the infection
• White blood cells in the stool

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

• Fecal smear
• Stool gram stain

Treatment

The objective of treatment is to replace fluids and electrolytes (salt and minerals) lost by diarrhea. Blood transfusions are rarely required.

Antibiotic or antimicrobial therapy is usually not needed unless the rest of the body is affected. Ask your doctor before using any antidiarrheal medicines.

Self-care measures to avoid dehydration include:

• Drinking electrolyte solutions to replace fluids lost by diarrhea
• Eating no solid food until the diarrhea has passed

People with diarrhea, especially young children, who are unable to drink fluids due to nausea may need medical attention and intravenous fluids. People taking "water pills" (diuretics) need to be careful with diarrhea and may need to stop taking the medication during an acute episode, as directed by the health care provider.