Gastrointestinal infection
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "gastrointestinal infection"
Gastrointestinal Infections: Causes, Risks, and Implications
Common Pathogens in Gastrointestinal Infections
Gastrointestinal infections are a significant cause of both acute and chronic diseases worldwide, with diarrhea being the most common symptom. These infections are primarily caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Norovirus is the leading viral cause, while nontyphoidal Salmonella species are the most common bacterial culprits leading to hospitalizations and deaths in the United States3 9. Other notable bacterial pathogens include Campylobacter, Shigella, and Escherichia coli9. Parasitic infections, though less common, also contribute significantly to the disease burden3.
Gastrointestinal Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts
Immunocompromised individuals are at a higher risk for gastrointestinal infections and may experience more severe disease outcomes. These patients are susceptible to the same pathogens as immunocompetent individuals but are also at risk from less common pathogens. The increased vulnerability in these patients necessitates careful diagnostic approaches to identify the causative agents and tailor appropriate treatments1.
Association with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
There is a notable association between gastrointestinal infections and the subsequent development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). A nationwide case-control study in Sweden found that individuals with a history of gastroenteritis had higher odds of developing IBD later in life. Specific pathogens like Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, and Clostridium difficile were particularly associated with increased risks of UC and CD2. This suggests that enteric infections might induce microbial dysbiosis, contributing to IBD in susceptible individuals2.
Post-Infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome (PI-IBS)
Gastrointestinal infections are also a known risk factor for developing post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). The incidence of PI-IBS varies widely, affecting between 3% and over 30% of individuals following an episode of infectious gastroenteritis4 8. The pathophysiology of PI-IBS involves several mechanisms, including enterochromaffin cell hyperplasia, serotonin synthesis and reuptake alterations, impaired barrier function, and immune activation8.
Diagnostic and Management Approaches
Accurate diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections involves pathogen-specific testing, which can include culture, microscopy, immunoassays, and molecular methods like PCR. These diagnostic tools help identify the causative agents and guide appropriate treatment strategies5 6 10. For instance, while most viral and bacterial infections are self-limiting, certain conditions like cholera, giardiasis, and Clostridium difficile infections may require targeted antibiotic therapy10.
Conclusion
Gastrointestinal infections are a major global health concern, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Understanding the common pathogens, the increased risks in immunocompromised individuals, and the potential long-term consequences such as IBD and PI-IBS is crucial for effective management and prevention. Accurate diagnostic methods and appropriate treatment strategies are essential to mitigate the impact of these infections.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Gastrointestinal Infections
Gastrointestinal infections in immunocompromised patients are caused by common bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic agents, with increased risk for infection or disease severity.
Gastrointestinal Infection Increases Odds of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Nationwide Case-Control Study.
Previous episodes of gastroenteritis increase the odds of developing inflammatory bowel diseases, potentially due to microbial dysbiosis in susceptible individuals.
Observational Study
Highly CitedCommon Gastrointestinal Infections.
Diarrhea is most common due to viruses, with norovirus being the most common, but bacteria and parasites also contribute, with nontyphoidal Salmonella being the most significant cause in the United States.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: post‐infectious irritable bowel syndrome after travellers' diarrhoea
Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) is a common risk factor after infectious gastroenteritis, with an incidence of 3% to 30% in people with infectious gastroenteritis.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedInfective disorders of the gastrointestinal tract
Enterocolitides caused by food and water-borne pathogens are a major cause of gastrointestinal infections, and surgical pathologists can play a valuable role in diagnosis by focusing on diagnostic histological features and available diagnostic methods.
Highly CitedInfectious diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract
This review highlights the importance of understanding microbial pathogens and their inflammatory patterns in gastrointestinal diseases, aiding in differential diagnoses and ancillary techniques in surgical pathology.
Rigorous JournalGastrointestinal infections
Gastrointestinal infections causing gastroenteritis, such as diarrhoea and/or vomiting, are considered luminal gastrointestinal infections.
On the fiftieth anniversary Postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome: mechanisms related to pathogens
Postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) is linked to enterochromaffin cell hyperplasia, serotonin synthesis and reuptake, impaired barrier function, altered immune activation, and potentially mast cell activation.
Very Rigorous JournalGastrointestinal Tract Infections
Gastrointestinal infections are common and often self-limited, but can lead to complications like reactive arthritis and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Literature Review