Definition- What is an infectious diarrheal disease?
Infectious diarrhea is the occurrence of diarrhea caused by a pathogen. Diarrhoea is defined as diarrhoea when more than three times a day the patient defecates into liquid stool. The infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses, worms or parasites.
These are usually transmitted by contaminated food and are often self-limiting, meaning that they pass after a few days. Therefore, the pathogens are often not identified because no specific therapy is required. During the period of diarrhea, it is particularly important to make sure that you drink enough fluids, as the body loses a lot of water and electrolytes through diarrhea.
These bacterial pathogens exist
There are many bacterial pathogens that can lead to infectious diarrhea. One of the most common pathogens is the bacterium Campylobacter, which can be transmitted from person to person through contact with infected stools. Salmonella, which is often found in contaminated meat or egg products, can also cause diarrhoea.
Shigella, Yersinia and cholera are rather rare nowadays. In recent years, the EHEC bacteria have become increasingly known as the trigger of infectious diarrhea. Clostridium difficile, a certain type of clostridia, can also cause diarrhea after a prolonged intake of antibiotics.
These viral pathogens exist
The two most important viral pathogens that can cause infectious diarrhea are noroviruses and rotaviruses. Noroviruses are more common in hospitals due to their resistance to many disinfectants. They typically lead to diarrhea and vomiting, which is over within a maximum of 48 hours.
This is also known as a self-limiting infection. Rotaviruses are highly infectious and cause diarrhea, especially in infants and toddlers. They can be transmitted from person to person or through contaminated drinking water.
These parasitic pathogens exist
Parasites can also cause infectious diarrhoea. Probably the best known pathogens among parasites are amoebae, which lead to amoebic dysentery. This leads to typical raspberry jelly-like diarrhea, which takes on this color due to a slight admixture of blood in the stool. The amoebae occur mainly in tropical areas. The parasites Giardia lamblia (Lamblia) are also more common in warm regions of the earth and lead to recurrent diarrhea, which is particularly watery.
