[26] Viral Gastroenteritis Flashcards
What is viral gastroenteritis?
An intestinal infection marked by watery diarrhoea, cramps, and vomiting
Are viral gastroenteritis epidemics frequent?
Yes, usually during winter
How is viral gastroenteritis transmitted?
By the faecal-oral route, including contaminated water
What are the risk factors for viral gastroenteritis?
- Malnourishment
- Immunocompromisation
Why is malnourishment important in gastroenteritis?
The severity is worse
What is the relationship between breastfeeding and viral gastroenteritis?
Breastfeeding is protective
How does viral gastroenteritis present?
- Watery diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Cramping abdominal pain
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte disturbance
How long do the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis last?
Generally <7 days
When might the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis last more than 7 days?
In enteric adenovirus, when diarrhoea frequently goes on for more than 14 days
What are the causative organisms for viral gastroenteritis? (Sorry i forgot to do this one where its menna go)
- Rotavirus
- Small round structural virus
- Enteric adenovirus
- Astrovirus
- CMV
Give an example of a small round structural virus causing viral gastroenteritis
‘Norwalk agent’, causing winter vomiting disease
What is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis?
Rotavirus
What investigations are done in viral gastroenteritis?
Investigation is rarely necessary, but stool electron microscopy or immunoassay can sometimes be helpful
What are the differential diagnoses for viral gastroenteritis?
- Systemic infections
- Local infections
- Surgical disorders
- Metabolic disorders
- Renal disorders
- Other
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Bacterial gastroenteritis
What systemic infections are differentials for viral gastroenteritis?
- Sepsis
- Meningitis
