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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.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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