Infectious DiseasePending review

Infectious Gastroenteritis

Acute inflammation of the gut caused by ingested pathogens or their toxins, producing diarrhoea and vomiting whose pattern and severity reflect the underlying mechanism of mucosal injury.

In a nutshell

Gastroenteritis is caused either by preformed or in-situ toxins driving secretory watery diarrhoea, or by mucosal invasion causing inflammatory, often bloody, diarrhoea. Whatever the mechanism, dehydration is the shared final pathway that causes harm, so fluid correction is the universal priority.

Classic presentation

Acute watery diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal cramps beginning hours to days after a food, travel or contact exposure, with signs of dehydration in more severe cases.

Key points

Toxin-mediated illness causes rapid-onset watery diarrhoea with little fever; invasive organisms cause fever, cramping and bloody stool.

You’ve reached the end of the preview

This topic is part of full high-yield access. Create a free account to read every key point, first-line investigation and exam trap — or browse the free sample topics without one.

Educational content pending clinical review. Not medical advice.