Gastroenteritis (also known as gastro, gastric flu, and stomach flu although unrelated to influenza) is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, involving both the stomach and the small intestine and resulting in acute diarrhea. The inflammation is caused most often by infection with certain viruses, less often by bacteria or their toxins, parasites, or poor reaction to something in the diet or medication. Worldwide, insufficient treatment of gastroenteritis kills 5 to 8 million people per year, and is a leading cause of death among infants and children under 5.
At least 50% of cases of gastroenteritis as food borne illness are due to nor virus. An additional 20% of cases, and the majority of severe cases in children, are due to rotavirus. Other significant viral agents include adenovirus and astrovirus.
Many unusual bacteria can cause gastroenteritis, including Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus, Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium, Escherichia coli, Yersinia, and others. Various sources of the infection are improperly prepared food, reheated meat dishes, seafood, dairy, and bakery products. Each organism causes somewhat different symptoms but all result in diarrhea.
At least 50% of cases of gastroenteritis as food borne illness are due to nor virus. An additional 20% of cases, and the majority of severe cases in children, are due to rotavirus. Other significant viral agents include adenovirus and astrovirus.
Many unusual bacteria can cause gastroenteritis, including Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus, Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium, Escherichia coli, Yersinia, and others. Various sources of the infection are improperly prepared food, reheated meat dishes, seafood, dairy, and bakery products. Each organism causes somewhat different symptoms but all result in diarrhea.
