Diarrhea Quiz Lectures Flashcards
(195 cards)
secretory diarrhea
characterized as an infection of the proximal small bowel marked by watery diarrhea that does NOT contain fecal leukocytes. Viruses that cause gastroenteritis do not infect the colon
Rotavirus Clinical presentation:
gastroenteritis
Norwalk Virus (Norovirus) Clinical presentation:
gastroenteritis
Adenovirus Clinical presentation:
gastroenteritis (do not confuse with other serotypes of adenoviruses that cause respiratory tract infections)
Rotavirus Pathology:
transmitted via the fecal to oral route. After ingestion of the virus it travels in the GI tract (the virus particle is stable within the low pH of the gastrointestinal system) to eventually infect the villus cells of the proximal small intestine. Here the virus replicates within these cells eventually lysing these cells which leads to the impaired adsorption of carbohydrates and other nutrients. This can lead to vomiting followed by watery diarrhea.
Norwalk Virus (Norovirus) Pathology:
fecal to oral transmission usually through direct contact or through contaminated food and water. Causes a local infection and inflammation in the proximal small intestine.
Adenovirus Pathology:
fecal to oral transmission. Causes a local infection and inflammation in the proximal small intestine. If inhaled into the lungs some respiratory symptoms can be present.
Rotavirus Diagnosis:
stool specimen, serology for the virus. Electron microscopy and RT-PCR also possible.
Norwalk Virus (Norovirus) Diagnosis:
not typically done. When done it is through visualization of the virus in stool specimens or PCR/serology of stool and/or vomit specimens.
Adenovirus Diagnosis:
PCR detection of the viral genome within a stool sample
Rotavirus Treatment:
rehydration (supportive). There is a rotavirus vaccine (live oral attenuated).
Norwalk Virus (Norovirus) Treatment:
usually not required because it is self-limited. When done, treatment consists of rehydration (supportive) if there is severe fluid loss. Outbreaks can be minimized through proper food handling, clean water supplies, and hand washing.
Adenovirus Treatment:
self-limiting infection in immunocompetent individuals. Supportive care only.
Rotavirus
because rotaviruses cause no inflammation, diarrhea has no blood. Infection before 6 months of age is uncommon due to passive IgA immunity from the mother’s colostrum. However, by age 3, almost every individual worldwide (~95%) has been infected and develops lifelong immunity. Virus particle contains a double-layered capsid.
Norwalk Virus (Norovirus)
this virus is a major cause of group-related or institutional diarrhea.
Adenovirus
major cause of acute infantile gastroenteritis. These serotypes of adenoviruses rarely cause fever or respiratory tract symptoms.
bifidobacteria
are among the first colonizers in breast-fed infants
Staphylococcus aureus
Gram + Cocci Catalase + Coagulase + Also a common infectious agent of surgical wounds and cause of scalded skin syndrome
in food that sits around for a while
no need for antibiotics for a food borne infection
Bacillus cereus
Gram + Large Bacilli endospore-forming Facultative anaerobe Mostly motile β hemolytic Box-car shaped
Also frequently found on skin and is a threat in hospitals as it produces biofilms that adhere easily to invasive devices. This produces chronic persistent infection, as the biofilm can periodically release B. cereus into the bloodstream
B. Cereus spores are commonly found in the soil and sometimes in plant foods that are grown close to the ground – such legumes, cereals, spices etc..
Spores can survive rice cooking process
Duration for both only about 24 hrs
Because of its ubiquity, B. cereus often is ignored or dismissed as a contaminant when found in a culture specimen.
B. cereus in food and vomitus or feces of same serotype
Large numbers of B. cereus of serotype known to produce endotoxin
Only necessary when tracking outbreaks
Clostridium botulinum
Gram + Bacilli Spore-forming Obligate anaerobe Motile Spores or toxin are the important issues for transmission of botulism
Staphylococcus aureus Symptoms:
Symptoms:
nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea for 1-3 days
Appear 1-7 hrs following ingestion of food
Self-limiting, once toxin is gone, illness is gone
Staphylococcus aureus diagnosis
Positive diagnosis:
Toxin-producing S. aureus can be identified in stool or vomit
Most conclusive test is the linking of an illness with a specific food, or in cases in which multiple vehicles exist, detection of pre-formed enterotoxin in food sample(s).
Only necessary when tracking outbreaks
Bacillus cereus infection
Infection takes two forms:
Emetic (vomiting):
Diarrheal:
Duration for both only about 24 hrs
Bacillus cereus Emetic infection
Emetic (vomiting):
1 to 6 hours incubation
Nausea and vomiting
resembles the vomiting illness caused by Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins
Caused by preformed enterotoxin that forms holes in membranes
Self limiting