Infectious Diarrhoea Flashcards
Define Diarrhoea
SUBJECTIVE
A condition in which faeces are discharged from the bowels frequently and in a liquid form.
Define Dysentry
OBVIOUS
Infection of the intestines resulting in severe diarrhoea (sometimes with the presence of blood and mucus in the faeces.)
Define Gastroenteritis
OBJECTIVE
3+ stools in 24 hours plus at least one of the following:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Pain
- Blood / Mucus in Stools
What defense mechanisms do we have against dysentery and gastroenteritis?
- Age
- Hygiene
- Gastric Acid
- Gut Motility
- Normal Flora
- Gut Immunity
What are the two main mechanism of diarrhoea?
- Toxin
- Invasion
What are the types of diarrhoea?
Non-Inflammatory (cholera)
Inflammatory (shigella)
Mixed picture (C. difficile)
What is non-inflammatory diarrhoea?
- Toxin-Mediated
- Watery stools, rapid dehydration, relatively little abdominal pain.
- Rehydration therapy is main treatment
What is inflammatory diarrhoea?
- Bacterial Infection
- Bloody stools, systematic upset, abdominal pain.
- Rehydration is main treatment. Antimicrobials may be required.
What two organism contamination are often associated with intensely farmed livestock?
- Campylobacter
- Salmonella
What are the main factors which increase the prevalence of GI infections?
- Farming
- Storage
- Transport
- Poor Sterilisation
- Manual cross-infection
- Raw egg consumption
What is the incidence of Salmonella and Campylobacter in the UK?
100 / 100,000
What is a “novel” organism?
“Any living organism that possesses a novel combination of genetic material obtained through the use of modern biotechnology” - Basically GMO shit.
List two epidemics centred around novel organisms.
- Listeria Monocytogenes
- E. Coli O157
What would you look for in patient assessment?
Symptoms: Duration of diarrhoea. Frequency and “quality” of stool.
Risk Factors: food, occupation, travel, antimicrobials, contacts, institution.
Examination of hydration and SIRS: Pulse. Fever. Skin turgor. Urine flow. Patient appearance. Muscle cramps.
What’s SIRS?
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is an inflammatory state affecting the whole body.