Food poisoning

What are common causes of bacterial gastroenteritis?

Undercooked meat or eggs, raw fish or oysters, untreated water, improper food handling.

List four common bacterial pathogens associated with gastroenteritis.

Campylobacter jejuni, E. coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp.

Where does viral gastroenteritis commonly spread?

Childcare facilities, schools, nursing homes, cruise ships.

Which virus is commonly known as the "winter vomiting bug"?

Norovirus.

Which virus primarily affects young children and can cause viral gastroenteritis

Rotavirus.

What are mild dehydration symptoms in gastroenteritis?

Lassitude, anorexia, nausea, light-headedness, postural hypotension.

What are signs of moderate dehydration in gastroenteritis?

Pinched face, dry tongue, sunken eyes, tachycardia, oliguria.

What are severe dehydration symptoms and signs?

Profound apathy, confusion, coma, shock, systolic BP < 90 mmHg, oliguria/anuria.

What rehydration advice should be given to children with gastroenteritis?

Continue usual feeds, use ORS, avoid juices/carbonated drinks, small frequent sips.

What is the recommended ORS dose for children at risk of dehydration?

5 mL per kg body weight after each large watery stool.

When should urgent medical advice be sought for a child with gastroenteritis?

If they are unable to drink, vomit persistently, or show red flag signs (e.g., sunken eyes, tachycardia).

What dietary advice is given to adults after rehydration in gastroenteritis?

Resume light, non-fatty, non-spicy meals, and avoid juices/carbonated drinks.

When are antidiarrhoeal agents indicated in gastroenteritis?

For symptomatic control in adults with mild-to-moderate diarrhea to continue essential activities.

Which antimotility drug is preferred in gastroenteritis?

Loperamide.

When should loperamide be avoided in gastroenteritis?

If blood/mucus is present in stools, high fever, or suspected VTEC or shigellosis infection.

When may antiemetics be considered in gastroenteritis?

In severe vomiting; options include metoclopramide or domperidone.

When are antibiotics recommended in gastroenteritis?

Only when the microbiological cause is identified (e.g., confirmed Salmonella).

What is the first-line antibiotic treatment for Salmonella gastroenteritis?

Ciprofloxacin or cefotaxime.