acute GI illness Flashcards
1
Q
signs and symptoms of acute GI illness
A
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhoea = acute, watery, bloody, (>6 days severe)
- abdominal pain
- fever
2
Q
giardia lamblia
- colonisation
- incubation period
- symptoms
- tx
A
- protozoa
- colonises in SI
- often from contaminated water (and food)
by human/animal faeces - incubation period 1 week
- symptoms may last 4-6 weeks
- symptoms = diarrhoea, gas, foul smelling stools, abdominal cramps
- mostly self limiting but antimicrobial may be needed
3
Q
3 ways bacteria can cause acute GI illness
A
- colonisation of intestines and production of toxins
- colonisation of intestines and invasion of intestinal tissue
- toxins produced in food and ingested, no infection
(e. g. food poisoning)
4
Q
viral
- pathogens
- onset
- symptoms
- colonisation
- Tx
A
norovirus, rotovirus
- fast onset
- watery diarrhoea, nausea and VOMITING, abdominal cramps, muscle aches, low fever, headache
- add by colonising small intestines
- generally self limiting (over by 48hours)
- supportive treatment with fluid replacement
can’t grow on agar
5
Q
risk factors
A
- consume food from retail premises
- consume ‘at risk’ produce, untreated water
- contact with farm animals, sick animals, feacel matter, symptomatic people
- overseas travel with incubation period
6
Q
transmission
A
- found in animal or human GI
- spread by contact with animals, infected people, contaminated food and water
- faecel/oral route
7
Q
diagnostic test
A
- stool culture
- toxin test using antibodies, PCR of toxin genes
8
Q
complications of AGI
A
- dehydration
- bacteraemia
- haemolytic uraemia syndrome
- reactive arthritis
9
Q
treatment
A
symptomatic
- fluid and electrolyte replacement
- easily digestible food
- anti motility drugs
reduce stool rate, but conc toxins
10
Q
microbial cause: antibiotics?
A
- usually not required
11
Q
prevention
A
- vaccination e.g. rotovirus
- sanitation, hygiene
- effective cooking
- food safety regulations for retail food outlets
- avoid risk food, drinking water
12
Q
bacteria associated with food poisoning
A
- S. aureus
- clostridium perfringens
