Gastrointestinal Infection.pdf

Nursing

1. Gastrointestinal Infection
Justin V Sebastian

2. •There are a number of bacteria, viruses, and parasites
that cause gastrointestinal (GI) infections.
•According to the U.S, diarrheal diseases account for 1
in 9 child deaths worldwide.
•It affects 2,195 children every day — more than
AIDS, malaria, and measles combined.

3. Common causes of gastrointestinal infections
Bacterial
•E. coli. E. coli bacteria are found in the intestines of
people and animals. E. coli spread through contaminated
water or food that came into contact with animal manure.
E. coli can also spread through direct person-to-person
contact.
•Salmonella. Salmonella infection is commonly caused by
eating raw or undercooked poultry, meat, and eggs. The
majority of salmonella infections can be classified as
gastroenteritis.

4. Viral
•Norovirus. Noroviruses are the most common cause of
food borne illness worldwide. It’s especially likely to
spread among people in confined spaces. Although in
most cases the virus is spread through contaminated food
or water, person-to-person transmission is also possible.
•Rotavirus. Rotavirus is the leading cause of viral
gastroenteritis in children worldwide. Children are
commonly infected when they touch objects contaminated
with the virus and then put their fingers in their mouths.

5. Parasite
•Giardiasis. Giardia is a parasite that spreads easily
through human contact and contaminated water. It’s
resistant to chlorine and can spread in public swimming
pools. Infection can occur from drinking water from and
bathing in contaminated lakes and streams.
•Cryptosporidiosis. A leading cause of waterborne disease
in the United States, Cryptosporidium is a microscopic
parasite which causes cryptosporidiosis. It has an outer
shell that helps it survive outside of a host and tolerate
chlorine disinfection.

6. Symptoms
•Although they can continue for as long as 14 days, GI infections
usually last a few days. They’re characterized by abdominal cramps
and discomfort followed by diarrhea. Other symptoms might include:
•nausea
•vomiting
•fever
•loss of appetite
•muscle aches
•dehydration
•headache
•mucus or blood in the stool
•weight loss

7. Diagnosis
•When symptoms point to a possible gastrointestinal
infection, diagnosis can be confirmed through
laboratory tests used for culture or antigen detection
from stool specimens.

8. Prevention / Treatment
The best ways to prevent gastrointestinal infection
include:
•Proper hand-washing
•Disinfecting of contaminated surfaces with bleach
•Washing of soiled articles of clothing
•Identifying infected patients as soon as possible to
implement extended infection control

9. Prevention / Treatment
Treatment measures for gastrointestinal infection include:
•Rehydration – oral and sometimes intravenous
•For many cases of bacterial gastroenteritis, only
symptomatic treatment (for fever, diarrhea…) is required.
•Antibiotics are not usually recommended as they have no
effect on viral infections, may cause side effects and
overuse increases the risk of resistant bacteria developing.
•Antibiotics may be recommended in particularly severe
cases of gastroenteritis, or if a specific bacteria has been
identified as the cause.