Gastrointestinal Tract Infections 1 and Diarrheal Illnesses

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to gastrointestinal tract infections and diarrheal diseases to aid in exam preparation.

Gastroenteritis

A nonspecific term for various pathologic states of the gastrointestinal tract primarily manifested by diarrhea.

Diarrhea

Commonly defined as three or more loose or watery stools per day.

Inflammatory diarrhea

Type of diarrhea characterized by the presence of leukocytes in the stool and increased lactoferrin levels.

Non-inflammatory diarrhea

Type of diarrhea without leukocytes in the stool and normal lactoferrin levels, often caused by viral infections.

Dehydration

A condition resulting from loss of water, minerals, and other fluids due to diarrhea, potentially leading to severe complications.

Causal therapy

Treatment applied after identification of the causative agent of diarrhea.

Rehydration therapy

A crucial treatment involving the replenishment of lost fluids and electrolytes in patients experiencing diarrhea.

Cholera

A severe acute disease causing abundant watery diarrhea that can lead to severe dehydration and death in a short period.

Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC)

Bacteria that produce toxins leading to watery diarrhea, often associated with traveler's diarrhea.

Salmonellosis

A disease caused by Salmonella bacteria, leading to gastroenteritis and potentially severe systemic infections.

Typhoid fever

A serious illness caused by Salmonella typhi, characterized by prolonged fever and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Food poisoning

Illness caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water containing pathogens and their toxins.

Staphylococcus aureus

A bacteria commonly responsible for staphylococcal food poisoning, producing heat-resistant enterotoxins.

Bacillus cereus

A bacterium capable of causing emetic and diarrheal forms of food poisoning, often associated with rice and certain other foods.

Osmotic diarrhea

Diarrhea caused by excessive osmotic load in the intestinal lumen due to undigested food or excessive intake of poorly absorbable substances.

Secretory diarrhea

Diarrhea caused by increased secretory activity of the intestines, typically not associated with inflammation.

Hypovolemic shock

A life-threatening condition resulting from significant fluid loss, such as that seen in severe diarrhea.

Cholera toxin

The toxin produced by Vibrio cholerae that causes intestinal fluid secretion leading to watery diarrhea.

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS)

A serious condition often associated with Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) causing kidney failure and anemia.

Antimicrobial-associated diarrhea

Diarrhea caused by disruption of normal intestinal flora due to the use of antibiotics.

Typhoid roseola

Tender, pink macules seen in approximately 50% of typhoid fever patients, primarily on the abdomen.