GI Infections Flashcards
List some endogenous organisms associated with gastrointestinal infections.
- Anaerobes (Bacteroides, Clostridioides)
- Gram negative organisms (E.coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter)
- Gram positive (Enterococcus)
- Fungi (Candida)
These organisms can proliferate due to changes in gut microflora or immunosuppression.
Name some exogenous organisms that can cause gastrointestinal infections.
- Campylobacter
- Salmonella (Typhoid)
- Shigella
- E.coli
- Vibrio
- Staph Enterotoxin
- Clostridium Perfringens
- Rotavirus
- Norovirus
- Giardia
- Worms (Pinworm, Tapeworm, Ascaris)
These organisms typically enter the GI system from external sources.
What is oesophagitis and what organism commonly causes it?
Oesophagitis is an infection of the oesophagus commonly caused by Cytomegalovirus (CMV), leading to ulcers.
Symptoms include painful swallowing and nausea.
What is thrush and what organism causes it?
Thrush is an infection caused by Candida Albicans, characterized by white plaques in the mouth.
It often occurs in immunocompromised individuals.
What are the risk factors for developing oesophagitis and thrush?
- Immunosuppression (drugs, HIV)
- Steroids
These factors can increase vulnerability to infections.
What are the main symptoms of oesophagitis?
- Dysphagia
- Odynophagia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Symptoms indicate difficulty and pain in swallowing.
How is oesophagitis investigated?
- Test for HIV
- OEG - ulcers, biopsy
These investigations help confirm the diagnosis.
What is the treatment for oesophagitis caused by CMV?
Reduce immunosuppression and use Ganciclovir.
Ganciclovir is an antiviral medication.
How do you treat oral thrush?
Anti-fungals (Fluxonazole)
What is Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) and its significance?
H. Pylori is the most common cause of ulcers in the stomach and duodenum, which can lead to gastritis.
It is a gram-negative rod with a helical shape.
What are the diagnostic methods for H. Pylori?
- Urea breath test
- Rapid urease test (CLO test)
These tests detect H. Pylori infection effectively.
What is the treatment regimen for H. Pylori infection?
1 week TRIPLE THERAPY: PPI, Clarithromycin, Amoxicillin/Metronidazole.
Metronidazole if Pen All
What characterizes diarrhea and gastroenteritis?
- Inflammation of the intestines causing inability to absorb water from stool, leading to watery/loose stool.
- At least 3 times a day
Occurs at least 3 times a day.
What are the key historical factors to consider in diarrhea cases?
- Travel
- Timeline
- Food
- Acute/chronic
- Watery/bloody
These factors help in diagnosing the cause of diarrhea.
List some bacterial causes of diarrhea.
- C. diff
- Staph enterotoxin
- Clostridium perfringens
- Bacillus cereus
- E.coli
- Shigella
- Salmonella
- Campylobacter
- Vibrio
These bacteria can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
What are the viral causes of diarrhea?
- Rotavirus
- Norovirus
- Adenovirus (children)
- Enterovirus (children)
Viral infections often have different transmission and treatment protocols.
What are some common differnces between viral and bacterial causes of diarrhoea?
Bacterial: blood, mucus, more severe pain, fever
What is the treatment approach for diarrhea?
- FLUID + electrolyte replacement
- Analgesia
- NO ABX!!! (unless C. diff)
Antibiotics are generally not indicated for non-C. diff diarrhea.
What investigations are done for diarrhea?
- Stool MC&S (microscopy, culture, sensitivity)
- C. diff antigen testing
- Stool for viral PCR with +ve outbreak
- Blood cultures
- Bloods - CRP, WBC
These tests help identify the cause of diarrhea.
What is the presentation of parasitic infections causing diarrhea?
- Longer history
- Weight loss
- Malabsorption of nutrients
Parasitic infections often have chronic symptoms.
What are some examples of parasitic causes of diarrhea?
- Giardia
- Worms
- Schistosomiasis
Each of these parasites has specific transmission and symptomatology.
True or False: Clostridium perfringens is a bacterial cause of diarrhea.
True
It is one of the common bacterial pathogens associated with gastrointestinal symptoms.
