Diarrhoea and Gastroenteritis Flashcards
What are the “4 Cs”?
Four broad-spectrum antibiotics which are associated with Clostridium difficile infections:
- Cephalosporins
- Co-amoxiclav
- Clindamycin
- Clarithromycin
Which four bacteria are stool samples routinely tested for in patients with diarrhoea?
Campylobacter
Salmonella
E. coli O157
Shigella
Give three parasites that can cause diarrhoea
Giardia lamblia
Cryptosporidium parvum
Entamoeba histolytica (amoebic dysentery)
Give three viruses that can cause diarrhoea
Rotavirus (children <5 yrs)
Adenovirus 40/41 strain (rare)
Norovirus (adults)
Give two potential complications of E. coli O157
Dysentery
Haemolytic-Uraemic Syndrome (occurs in 10%)
What is HUS?
Haemolytic-Uraemic Syndrome, a potential complication of E. coli O157.
- Haemolysis of RBCs
- Uraemia due to renal failure
Caused by the E. coli cytotoxin infiltrating the bloodstream
Most common cause of acute kidney failure in infants and young children; although adults are also susceptible, particularly the elderly.
Give four potential complications of HUS
Possible complications:
- respiratory failure
- pancreatitis
- convulsions
- cardiac failure
What is the first line treatment for Clostridium difficile?
Oral metronidazole
Which organism can cause food poisoning from rice that has been sitting at room temperature? Describe the clinical presentation of this type of food poisoning.
Bacillus cereus: a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, aerobic, beta hemolytic bacterium Causes symptoms (severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) after 1-6 hours
What is the incubation period for Campylobacter and E. coli?
1 - 4 days
What are the two types of diarrhoea? Which is caused by bacterial toxins?
Secretory diarrhoea - caused by bacterial toxins triggering the release of electrolytes and water substances into the lumen of the bowel
Osmotic diarrhoea
What is tenesmus?
The feeling of constantly needing to pass stools despite the colon being empty
