Infectious Diarrhoea Flashcards
1
Q
How is diarrhoea defined?
A
Subjective definition based on fluidity and frequency
2
Q
How is gastroenteritis defined?
A
Objective definition - 3/> loose stools/day
with accompanying features
3
Q
How is dysentery defined?
A
Obvious definition - large bowel inflammation, bloody stools
4
Q
List some causes of gastroenteritis infection
A
- Contamination of foodstuffs
- Poor storage of produce
- Travel-related infections
- Person-to-person spread
5
Q
What is the most common foodborne pathogen?
A
Campylobacter
6
Q
What pathogen is responsible for most hospital admissions for food poisoning?
A
Salmonella
7
Q
List some defences against enteric infections
A
- Hygiene
- Stomach acidity
- Normal gut flora
- Immunity
8
Q
What features could be used to assess a patient with diarrhoeal illness?
A
- Symptoms and their duration
- Risk of food poisoning (history)
- Assess hydration (Postural BP, skin turgor, pulse)
- Features of inflammation (SIRS) - fever raised WCC
