Infectious Diarrhea in Developed and Developing Countries

Abstract

Diarrhea from gastrointestinal infection remains a common problem. In industrialized countries, management is aimed at reducing morbidity and defining groups that may benefit from further investigation. Most infectious diarrhea is self-limiting and only requires supportive management. Viral agents are increasingly recognized as causative agents of epidemic and sporadic diarrhea. In developing countries, diarrhea is a major cause of mortality in children. Oral rehydration therapy, guided by a clinical assessment of the degree of dehydration, is cheap, simple, and effective and remains the mainstay of management of infant diarrhea. Controversies focus on the optimal formulation of oral rehydration solution. A vaccine against rotavirus has the potential to save millions of lives worldwide.

A Study on the Epidemiology and Aetiology of Acute Gastroenteritis in Adult Patients Presenting at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Tirana, Albania

“…Demographic and clinical features together with laboratory results pertaining to each patient involved within the study were recorded. Potential pathogens were diagnosed through the utilization of standard laboratory processes (11)(12)(13)(14). Stool samples were examined for the presence of various pathogens and parasites including Salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia and Campylobacter, using standard laboratory procedures.…”

Delivery strategies to enhance oral vaccination against enteric infections

“…Most diarrhoeal diseases are spread via the faecal oral route, primarily through contaminated water and food, resulting from poor sanitation. In the developed world, diarrhoeal diseases account for significant morbidity whereas in the developing world, where sanitation systems are often sub-optimal, it is associated with high levels of mortality [1], especially in children under 5 years of age who are most at risk at contracting and succumbing to such diseases [2]. Although oral rehydration therapy has reduced the overall number of fatalities caused by diarrhoeal disease, the long term damage resulting from disease episodes is a significant cause for concern [1].…”

Evaluating a Sick Child after Travel to Developing Countries

“…37 When there is a history of antibiotic exposure, testing for Clostridium difficile may yield a diagnosis. 38 As mentioned above, infants and young children may experience prolonged episodes of diarrhea when infected with bacterial organisms that commonly cause acute, self-limited diarrhea in older individuals; for this age group, stool cultures may be useful in the evaluation of persistent diarrhea. 32 When diarrhea persists and repeated investigations for infection are negative, noninfectious causes, such as secondary lactose intolerance after infection, should be considered.…”