GI Infections

Question 1

What are the 2 types of GI infection?

What are they caused by?

How quick is their onset?

Answer 1

TRUE INFECTION
Caused by: growth of bacterial pathogens in the gut after ingestion of contaminated food
Onset: 8-12 hours

INTOXICATION/POISONING
Caused by: ingestion of preformed toxins on food
Onset: almost immediate

Question 2

List 2 examples of bacteria which cause intoxication, rather than true infection.

Answer 2

Bacillus cerus

Staphylococcus aureus

Question 3

Define gastroenteritis.

Answer 3

Syndrome consisting of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort

Question 4

Define dysentery.

Answer 4

Diarrhoea containing blood and pus, along with other symptoms, including pain, fever and abdominal cramps

Question 5

How are GI infections transmitted? Include the 3 Fs.

Answer 5

Faeco-oral, i.e. food/fluids/fingers

Person-person

Question 6

List 4 aspects of GI infection control.

Answer 6

Public health measures
Education in hygienic food preparation
Pasteurisation of milk/dairy products
Sensible food practices while travelling

Question 7

List 7 gram negative organisms which often cause GI infections.

Answer 7

Campylobacter
Salmonella
Shigella
Vibrio cholera
E. coli
Yersinia entercolitica
H. pylori

Question 8

List 6 gram positive organisms which often cause GI infections.

Answer 8

Staph. aureus
Bacillus cereus
Clostridium perfringens
Clostridium botulinum
C. difficile
Listeria monocytogenes