GI infections Flashcards
When there is a case of food poisoning (and diarrhoea as a symptom), what tests are standard
Urea and electrolytes Full blood count Blood cultures Stool cultures Urine cultures
Why would you do a urea and electrolyte investigation
To check for renal failure
Why would you do a stool culture
To see if there is infectious diarrhoea
Why would you check urine cultures in a case of food poisoning
To check for UTI
What does a high urea level mean
Dehydration
What does a high creatinine level mean
Filtration is not working as well
What does an increase in C reactive protein show
There is an ongoing systemic inflammation
What are possible causes of diarrhoea
Salmonella Campylobacter Shigella E. COli Viral gastro-enteritis
If there is a food poisoning outbreak, what would you do
Stool samples from all those involved. Food microbiology if there is any food left over
What antibiotics are used to treat a C. difficile infection
Vancomycin
Metronidazole
What microorganisms would you test for in a case of travellers’ diarrhoea
E.Coli Salmonella Campylobacter Shigella Vibrio cholerae Protozoan parasites
IN a case of giardia lamblia, what would you treat it with
Metranidazole
What is a symptom of giardia lamblia
Dairy products may cause the diarrhoea to become worse
Symptoms of typhoid fever
Weakness Stomach pain Headache Diarrhoea or constipation Cough Loss of appetite Sometimes a red rash
How can typhoid fever be diagnosed
Analysing samples of blood, stools and urine and examined for salmonella typhi
