Gastrointestinal Infection

Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines that can be caused by a variety of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Symptoms of gastroenteritis include diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, fever, and chills. Due to similar clinical signs and symptoms, diagnosis of the causative pathogens can be difficult. Viral gastroenteritis is most common and often caused by a norovirus that spreads through contaminated food or water, or by contact with an infected person. Most people recover with no treatment.

Bacterial gastroenteritis can result from infection after contact with animals or consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria. Numerous bacteria can cause gastroenteritis, including: Yersinia (found in pork), Staphylococcus (dairy products, meat, and eggs), Shigella (swimming pools), Salmonella (dairy products, meat, and eggs), Campylobacter (meat and poultry), and E. coli (ground beef and salads). Bacterial gastroenteritis outbreaks can happen when restaurants serve contaminated food. Bacterial gastroenteritis can be easily transmitted from person to person if someone carries the bacteria on their hands and touches food, objects, or other people. People with bacterial gastroenteritis have harmful bacteria in their stool. When they do not wash their hands well after using the bathroom, they can spread the germs to objects.