Bacterial gastroenteritis - Overview
Alternative Names
Infectious diarrhea - bacterial gastroenteritis; Acute gastroenteritis; Gastroenteritis - bacterial
Definition of Bacterial gastroenteritis:
Bacterial gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by bacteria or bacterial toxins.
See also: Food poisoning
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Many different types of bacteria can produce the symptoms associated with bacterial gastroenteritis, including:
- Campylobacter jejuni
- Clostridium
- E. coli
- Salmonella
- Shigella
- Staphylococcus
- Yersinia
Some sources of the infection are:
- Bakery products
- Dairy products
- Improperly prepared food
- Reheated meat dishes
- Seafood
Risk factors are:
- Consumption of improperly prepared foods or contaminated water
- Travel or residence in areas of poor sanitation
The incidence is 1 in 1,000 people.
Related topics:
- Reviewed last on: 2/20/2008
- Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
References
Goldman L, Ausiello DA. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.
