Typhoid, Cholera, amoebiasis,

and Gastroenteritis

Dr. Naomi Agalo

 Introduction
• Typhoid is a bacterial infection that causes high fever and gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Cholera is a waterborne disease that causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration.
• Amoebiasis, on the other hand, is caused by a protozoan parasite, Entamoeba histolytica, causing
intestinal inflammation and abdominal pain.
• Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and intestines causing vomiting.
• Infectious diseases pose significant public health challenges.
• Understanding these diseases is crucial for effective prevention.
 Epidemiology
• Typhoid is often transmitted via contaminated food or water sources.
• Cholera epidemics are linked to poor sanitation and contaminated water.
• Amoebiasis is prevalent in regions with inadequate sanitation facilities.
• Gastroenteritis: Common globally, with various viral and bacterial causes.
• Typhoid occurs mostly in developing countries with limited hygiene.
• Cholera is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in crowded areas.
• Gastroenteritis affects all age groups, causing significant morbidity worldwide.
Overview of Typhoid/ Enteric fever
CAUSE AND TRANSMISSION
How long is a person with typhoid fever contagious?
Prognosis of Typhoid fever
Pathophysiology of Typhoid
Symptoms of Enteric fever/Typhoid fever
Clinical Features
Rose spots
Clinical features cont…
Complications
Diagnosis and Investigation
Lab investigation cont…
 Management of typhoid fever
• Activity – Rest is helpful
• Medical care
• Antibiotics
• Corticosteroids (for severe typhoid fever)
• Antipyretics
• Diet – fluid and electrolytes should be monitored.
• Soft digestible diet is preferable in the absence of abdominal
distension and ileus
• Surgical care – in cases of intestinal perforation.
Treatment cont. …
Prevention of typhoid fever
 Prevention cont …
• Safe water and food hygiene practices always.
• Handwashing before meals and after sanitation.
• Avoid raw shellfish and undercooked seafood.
• Vigilance when traveling to endemic regions.
• Proper sewage disposal and sanitation infrastructure are crucial.
• Boil or treat water from questionable sources.
• Vaccination for long-term protection when indicated.
 Typhoid vaccines
• Oral and injectable vaccine types are available
• Oral vaccines offer convenient, cost-effective options.
• Inactivated vaccines are safe for most age groups.
• Duration of protection varies among vaccine types.
• Vaccine efficacy varies with age and region.
• Travelers should consult healthcare providers for recommendations.
• Immunization reduces risk and supports public health.
• Examples of OTV include Ty21a – Vivotif, Typhim Vi
• ITV include conjugate vaccine like Typbar-TCV and Vi polysaccharide vaccine
like typhim vi Oral
Cholera
 Overview of Cholera
• Cholera is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
• It infects the intestines
• It is believed to have originated in the Ganges Delta in India.
• The bacteria produce a toxin that causes the body to lose fluids and electrolytes very quickly,
leading to severe dehydration.
• Severe cases of cholera can lead to death within hours if not treated.
• Cholera is spread through contaminated food or water.
• It can be endemic or epidemic
 CAUSE AND TRANSMISSION

Bacteria

• It is caused by a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae.

• Gram-negative bacterium.
• Shape - rod-shaped bacterium.
• Temperature - Vibrio cholerae grows best at 37°C (98.6°F).
• Motility - Mobile due to a single polar flagellum

Transmission
• Fecal-oral route
• Contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
• Bites of flies or cockroaches
 How long is a person with Cholera contagious?
• A person with cholera is contagious from the moment they start showing symptoms until they
have received treatment and their stool tests are negative for cholera bacteria.
• The incubation period for cholera is usually between 12 and 72 hours, but it can be as short as 2
hours or as long as 5 days.
• During the incubation period, the person is not contagious.
• The most contagious period is during the first 3 to 5 days of illness, when the person has watery
diarrhea and vomiting.
• A person with cholera can still be contagious for up to 10 days after they start feeling better.
• However, most people are no longer contagious after 5 days of treatment.
 Prognosis of Cholera
• The prognosis of cholera is generally good with prompt treatment.
• Without treatment, the fatality rate can be as high as 50%.
• The most severe cases of cholera are in children under 5 years old and adults over 60 years old.
• People with other health conditions, such as malnutrition, diabetes, or HIV/AIDS, are also at increased
risk of severe cholera.
• The prognosis of cholera is also worse in areas with poor sanitation and access to healthcare.
• With prompt treatment, most people with cholera make a full recovery within a few days. However,
some people may develop complications, such as dehydration, shock, or kidney failure.
• These complications can be fatal if not treated promptly.
 Pathophysiology of Cholera
• Ingestion of Vibrio cholerae bacteria.
• Bacteria colonize the small intestine.
• Production of cholera toxin.
• Cholera toxin binds to intestinal cells.
• Activation of adenylate cyclase.
• Increased intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels.
• Altered ion transport.
• Excessive secretion of chloride ions.
• Massive loss of water and electrolytes.
• Profuse, watery diarrhea.
• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
 Symptoms of Cholera
• Profuse, watery diarrhea (rice water stools)
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Muscle cramps
 Clinical Features
• Sudden onset of profuse watery diarrhea
• Diarrhea - Rice-watery, non-bloody, painless
• Vomiting - May occur before or after diarrhea
• Leg cramps - May occur
• Restlessness or irritability
• Thirst - Extreme thirst
• Dry skin - Skin becomes dry and wrinkled
• Rapid heart rate - Heart rate becomes rapid
• Low blood pressure - Blood pressure becomes low
• Sunken eyes - Eyes become sunken
 Complications
• Dehydration - This is the most common complication of cholera. It occurs when the body loses too
much fluid through diarrhea and vomiting. Dehydration can be life-threatening, especially in
children and the elderly.
• Shock - Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body does not have enough blood
flow to the organs. Shock can occur in people with cholera due to severe dehydration.
• Kidney failure - Kidney failure can occur in people with cholera due to severe dehydration.
• Electrolyte imbalance - Cholera can cause an imbalance of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium,
and chloride. This imbalance can lead to a variety of problems, such as muscle cramps, heart
problems, and seizures.
• Hypoglycemia - Hypoglycemia is a low blood sugar level. It can occur in people with cholera due to
the loss of fluids and electrolytes. Hypoglycemia can be life-threatening, especially in children.
• Respiratory distress - Respiratory distress can occur in people with cholera due to the loss of fluids
and electrolytes. This can lead to difficulty breathing and even respiratory failure.
 Diagnosis and Investigation
• Clinical diagnosis
• Laboratory diagnosis
• Rapid diagnostic tests
• Investigation - The investigation of cholera may also include -
 Contact tracing
 Environmental
 Laboratory investigation
• Rapid diagnostic tests - Rapid diagnostic tests are tests that
can be used to detect the bacteria that cause cholera quickly
and easily. These tests are not as sensitive as stool cultures,
but they can be used to diagnose cholera in areas where
laboratory facilities are limited.
• Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) - EIA is a test that can be used to
detect the cholera toxin in the blood or stool. This test is not
as sensitive as stool cultures, but it can be used to diagnose
cholera in people who have already been treated with
antibiotics.
• Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) - NAAT is a test that can
be used to detect the DNA of the cholera bacteria in the blood
or stool. This test is the most sensitive laboratory test for
cholera, but it is also the most expensive.
 Management of Cholera
• Rehydration can be done orally or intravenously. Oral rehydration therapy is the preferred
method of rehydration for most people with cholera. It is a simple and effective way to replace
the fluids and electrolytes that are lost example -
Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is a solution that contains water, sugar, and electrolytes. It can be
purchased over-the-counter or made at home. To make ORS at home, mix 1 liter of clean water
with 4 teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
• Antibiotics are not always necessary for cholera, but they can be helpful in severe cases. They can
help to kill the bacteria and shorten the duration of illness. The antibiotics that are most
commonly used to treat cholera are -
Tetracycline, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin. Antibiotics should be started as soon as possible after
diagnosis, even before the results of the laboratory tests are available.
• In severe cases, supportive care may be necessary. This may include measures such as providing
oxygen, managing blood pressure, and preventing complications. Supportive care is important in
preventing complications such as shock and kidney failure.
 Management of Cholera
• Isolation and infection control measures - To prevent the spread of the
disease.
• Nutritional support - To address malnutrition and maintain energy levels.
• Sanitation and hygiene - Ensuring access to clean water and proper
sanitation to prevent further infections.
• Vaccination - In some cases, cholera vaccines may be administered to at-
risk populations.
• Public health measures - Surveillance, contact tracing, and education to
control outbreaks and prevent further transmission.
Prevention of Cholera
 Prevention of Cholera
• Improved sanitation - Ensuring safe disposal of human waste and maintaining clean water sources.
• Access to clean water - Providing communities with access to safe drinking water.
• Hygiene education - Promoting handwashing and safe food handling practices.
• Cholera vaccines - Administering vaccines to at-risk populations and during outbreaks.
• Public health surveillance - Monitoring and early detection of cholera cases and outbreaks.
• Prompt treatment - Providing timely medical care to individuals with cholera to reduce
transmission.
• Travel precautions - Advising travelers to cholera-endemic areas on safe food and water practices.
• Quarantine and isolation - Implementing measures to contain outbreaks and prevent spread.
• Vector control - Managing fly populations that can transmit the bacteria.
• Disaster preparedness - Having response plans in place for natural disasters or emergencies that can
lead to cholera outbreaks.
 Cholera vaccines
Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCVs):
• Examples include Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol.
• Administered orally, often as a two-dose series.
• Provides protection against several strains of Vibrio
cholerae.
• May offer short-term protection (a few years) and can be
used in outbreak settings or for travelers to cholera-
endemic areas.
• Some OCVs may require a booster dose for continued
protection.
Injectable Cholera Vaccines:
• Vaxchora is an example of an injectable cholera vaccine.
• Administered via a single injection.
• Primarily used for travelers who cannot take oral vaccines.
• Provides relatively short-term protection.
Amoebiasis
 Overview of Amoebiasis
• Amoebiasis is a parasitic infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica.
• Prevalent in developing countries with poor sanitation.
• Transmission occurs via ingestion of parasite cysts in contaminated food or water.
• Many cases are asymptomatic.
• Symptoms include loose stools, abdominal pain, and cramps.
• Severe cases lead to amebic dysentery with bloody diarrhea, fever, and weight loss.
• Extra-intestinal spread to organs like the liver, lungs, and brain is possible.
• Diagnosis involves microscopic examination of stool samples.
• Antibiotics are the primary treatment for amoebiasis.
 CAUSE AND TRANSMISSION

Bacteria
• It is caused by a parasite Entamoeba histolytica.
• Family: Entamoebidae.
• It can live in two forms: a trophozoite (active form) and a cyst
(dormant form).
• Shape: It is a unicellular protozoan parasite and typically exists in
an amoeboid shape
• Thrives in human body temperature

Transmission
• Fecal-oral Route
• Direct contact
• Ingestion of contaminated water
• Ingestion of contaminated food
 CAUSE AND TRANSMISSION

Types of Amoebiasis Parasite

How long is a person with Amoebiasis contagious?
• A person with amoebiasis is contagious as long as they are passing cysts in their stool.
• The cysts can survive in the environment for months, so even if a person has been treated for
amoebiasis, they can still be contagious if they are not washing their hands properly.
• The contagious period can last for weeks to months, or even years, if the infection is not treated.
• People with amoebiasis can be contagious even if they do not have any symptoms.
 Prognosis of Amoebiasis
• The prognosis of amoebiasis is generally good if the infection is diagnosed and treated early.
• In most cases, the infection can be cured with antibiotics.
• However, in some cases, the infection can be severe and lead to complications, such as amebic liver
abscess, amebic meningitis, or amebic peritonitis.
• It may be is worse in people with severe symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea or fever.
• These complications can be life-threatening and require prompt medical attention.
• The risk of complications is higher in people with weakened immune systems, such as people with
HIV/AIDS or cancer.
• People with amoebiasis should be monitored for complications, even after they have been treated.
 Pathophysiology of Amoebiasis
• Cyst Ingestion
• Trophozoite Release
• Intestinal Colonization
• Tissue Invasion
• Symptoms: This leads to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal
pain, and dysentery.
• Complications: Severe cases can result in liver abscesses and
dissemination to other organs.
• Cyst Formation: Some trophozoites encyst, continuing the
cycle when excreted in feces.
 Symptoms of Amoebiasis
• Diarrhea, often bloody
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Pain in the right upper abdomen
• Chills
 Clinical Features
• Incubation period: 2-6 weeks
• Symptoms:
• Abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower
abdomen
• Painful sudden bowel evacuation (tenesmus)
• Recto-sigmoid involvement
• Diarrhea developing over a period of one to several
weeks
• In mild to moderate colitis, mucus diarrhea, but no
blood in stool
• In severe colitis, offensive and bulky stools
containing blood and mucus, and fever and lower
abdominal cramps
 Complications
• Amoebic liver abscess: A collection of pus that forms in the liver due to infection with Entamoeba
histolytica. It is most common in the right lobe of the liver and presents with high fever, right upper
quadrant (RUQ) tenderness, and jaundice.
• Amoebic peritonitis: Inflammation of the lining of the abdomen due to a ruptured liver abscess. It
can cause fever, abdominal pain, and distension.
• Pleuropulmonary amoebiasis: Inflammation of the lungs due to a ruptured liver abscess. It can
cause cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
• Amoebic pericarditis: Inflammation of the lining of the heart due to a ruptured liver abscess. It can
cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and fever.
• Cerebral amoebiasis: Rare complication of amoebiasis that can cause altered consciousness and
focal neurological signs.
• Genital-urinary amoebiasis: Infection of the genital or urinary tract due to Entamoeba histolytica. It
can cause painful genital ulcers and profuse discharge.
 Diagnosis and Investigation
• Clinically- painful frequent evacuation of small quantities of
stool containing mucus tinged with blood.
• Laboratory:
• Stool examination: Trophozoites are motile and can be
seen in fresh stool samples. Cysts are more likely to be
found in formed stool samples.
• Biopsy: A biopsy of the liver or intestine can be used to
diagnose amoebiasis if trophozoites or cysts are found.
• Culture: The stool can be cultured to grow the amoeba.
• Blood tests: Blood tests may show an increase in white
blood cells, which can be a sign of infection.
• Ultrasound scan: An ultrasound scan can be used to look
for liver abscesses, which are a complication of amoebiasis.
 Management of Amoebiasis
• Treatment involves antibiotics like metronidazole or tinidazole.
• Address dehydration with oral rehydration solutions.
• Maintain adequate nutrition during recovery.
• Drain or treat abscesses as needed.
• Monitor for treatment response and potential complications.
• Practice good hygiene to prevent reinfection and transmission.
• Isolate infected individuals to prevent spread.
• Educate patients on prevention and treatment measures.
 Prevention of Amoebiasis
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water:
• Drink clean water
• Cook food thoroughly
• Avoid swimming in contaminated water
• Practice good personal hygiene
• Dispose of human waste properly
• Educate others about amoebiasis
• Support organizations that are working to improve sanitation and
water quality
• Amoebiasis doesn’t have a Vaccine, Adhering to preventive measures
only is the only way to prevent it.
Gastroenteritis
 Overview of Gastroenteritis
• Gastroenteritis is inflammation affecting the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
• It is commonly caused by infections, but can also result from ingesting drugs or chemical toxins.
• Transmission can occur through contaminated food, water, or person-to-person contact.
• In the US, about 1 in 6 people experience foodborne illnesses annually.
• Symptoms encompass anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
• Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation or stool culture, with PCR and immunoassays increasingly used.
• Treatment primarily addresses symptoms, although specific anti-infective therapy may be necessary for
certain bacterial and parasitic infections.
• Gastroenteritis is usually self-limited but can be serious for vulnerable populations.
• Electrolyte and fluid loss is typically manageable but can pose grave risks to the very young, elderly,
immunocompromised, or those with underlying illnesses.
• Worldwide, infectious gastroenteritis contributes to a significant number of childhood deaths, although
improvements in water sanitation and the use of oral rehydration therapy have reduced mortality rates.
 CAUSE AND TRANSMISSION

Bacteria
• Gastroenteritis has diverse causes, with viruses and bacteria
being the most prevalent.
• Viruses responsible for gastroenteritis encompass
adenoviruses, rotaviruses, and noroviruses.
• Bacterial culprits include Escherichia coli, salmonella,
campylobacter, and shigella.
• Parasitic infections, such as giardiasis, are primarily triggered
by Giardia, a common waterborne
pathogen,Cryptosporidium, another parasite, mainly affects
individuals with weakened immune systems and leads to
watery diarrhea.
TRANSMISSION
How long is a person with Gastroenteritis contagious?
• Gastroenteritis symptoms typically last 1 to 2 days but can persist for up to 10 days in some cases.
• The duration of contagiousness varies depending on the specific virus, ranging from a few days to
two weeks or more.
• Contagiousness is highest from the onset of symptoms until 48 hours after all symptoms have
subsided.
• Strict hygiene measures should be followed during this period to prevent the spread of the illness
to others.
 Prognosis of Gastroenteritis
• Infectious gastroenteritis, food-sensitivity enteropathies, or malnutrition can lead to significant mucosal
atrophy, causing an 80% reduction in intestinal surface area.
• Removal of the causative agent typically results in rapid small bowel repair, taking around 4-6 days.
• In some cases, repair may be slower, with villi surface area at 63% and microvillous surface area at 38%
of normal after 2 months.
• Malabsorption syndromes can be transient or require dietary changes; some progressive disorders
reduce lifespan due to systemic complications.
• Abetalipoproteinemia can lead to cardiac abnormalities and early adulthood mortality, while severe
autoimmune enteropathies or microvillus inclusion disease have a poor prognosis without intestinal
transplantation.
• The outcome of short gut syndrome varies, with long-term prognosis linked to the duration of
parenteral nutrition required.
• Complications of parenteral nutrition and lack of trophic stimulation can hinder recovery.
• Bacterial overgrowth can compromise intestinal adaptation and increase the risk of liver disorders.
 Pathophysiology of Gastroenteritis
• Ingestion of infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites, or exposure to irritants
like chemicals or toxins. .
• Gastroenteritis primarily results from the infection and inflammation of the digestive system.
• Various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, can cause gastroenteritis.
• The main clinical symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea.
• The development of gastroenteritis involves intricate mechanisms, including mucosal
damage, viral enterotoxin secretion, and malabsorption.
• Ongoing Research: While much is known about the pathophysiology, ongoing research aims
to deepen our understanding of gastroenteritis and its underlying mechanisms.
Pathophysiology of Gastroenteritis
 Symptoms of Gastroenteritis
• Diarrhea
• Fever: In some cases, gastroenteritis can cause a
low-grade fever.
• Excessive fluid loss from diarrhea and vomiting may
lead to dehydration, characterized by dry mouth,
increased thirst, and dark urine.
• Some individuals may experience muscle aches and
fatigue.
• Urgency to use the bathroom, even when the
bowels are empty (tenesmus), is a possible
symptom.
 Clinical Features
• Sudden onset of profuse watery diarrhea
• Diarrhea - Rice-watery, non-bloody, painless
• Vomiting - May occur before or after diarrhea
• Leg cramps - May occur
• Restlessness or irritability
• Thirst - Extreme thirst
• Dry skin - Skin becomes dry and wrinkled
• Rapid heart rate - Heart rate becomes rapid
• Low blood pressure - Blood pressure becomes low
• Sunken eyes - Eyes become sunken
 Complications
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte Imbalance - Loss of fluids and electrolytes can disrupt the body's balance, potentially
leading to conditions like electrolyte imbalances and metabolic acidosis.
• Kidney Problems: Severe dehydration can strain the kidneys, potentially causing acute kidney injury.
• Malnutrition: Gastroenteritis can lead to nutrient malabsorption, particularly in chronic cases,
which may result in malnutrition.
• Secondary Infections: Weakened immunity and damaged intestinal lining can make individuals more
susceptible to secondary infections.
• Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): In some cases, particularly with certain types of E. coli
infections, HUS can develop, causing kidney failure and other serious complications.
• Chronic Gastrointestinal Issues: Gastroenteritis can sometimes trigger chronic gastrointestinal
problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Rare Complications: While uncommon, severe cases can result in rare but serious complications,
such as bowel perforation.
 Diagnosis and Investigation
• Medical history: The doctor will ask about the patient's symptoms, including their duration,
severity, and any associated symptoms. They will also ask about the patient's medical history,
including any recent travel, recent antibiotic use, or contact with someone who is sick.
• Physical examination: The doctor will examine the patient's abdomen for tenderness, distension,
or other abnormalities. They may also check the patient's temperature, pulse, and blood
pressure.
• Blood tests: Blood tests may be done to check for dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and other
complications of gastroenteritis. They may also be used to look for evidence of infection, such as
an elevated white blood cell count.
• Stool tests: Stool tests may be done to identify the specific cause of the gastroenteritis. These
tests can detect viruses, bacteria, parasites, and toxins.
 Laboratory investigation
• Viral gastroenteritis:
• Stool electron microscopy
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA
• Latex agglutination: This test can also be used to detect viral antigens in stool samples.
• Bacterial gastroenteritis:
• Microscopy: This test can be used to visualize the bacteria in stool samples.
• Stool culture: This test is used to grow the bacteria in a laboratory culture medium.
• Biochemical reactions
• Serological typing: This test can be used to identify the bacteria by their antibodies.
• Other tests:
• Blood tests: These tests can be used to assess for dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
• Abdominal imaging: These tests can be used to rule out other causes of gastroenteritis,
such as appendicitis or bowel obstruction.
 Management of Gastroenteritis
• Rehydration can be done orally or intravenously. Oral rehydration therapy is the preferred
method of rehydration for most people with cholera. It is a simple and effective way to replace
the fluids and electrolytes that are lost example -
Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is a solution that contains water, sugar, and electrolytes. It can be
purchased over-the-counter or made at home. To make ORS at home, mix 1 liter of clean water
with 4 teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
• Antibiotics are not always necessary for cholera, but they can be helpful in severe cases. They can
help to kill the bacteria and shorten the duration of illness. The antibiotics that are most
commonly used to treat cholera are -
Tetracycline, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin. Antibiotics should be started as soon as possible after
diagnosis, even before the results of the laboratory tests are available.
• In severe cases, supportive care may be necessary. This may include measures such as providing
oxygen, managing blood pressure, and preventing complications. Supportive care is important in
preventing complications such as shock and kidney failure.
 Management of Gastroenteritis
• Rehydration: This is the most important treatment for gastroenteritis. It is important to replace
the fluids and electrolytes that are lost through vomiting and diarrhea. This can be done by
drinking fluids, such as oral rehydration solution (ORS), or by receiving fluids intravenously (IV).
• Rest: It is important to rest and avoid strenuous activity while you are sick with gastroenteritis.
This will help your body to heal and recover.
• It is important to eat a balanced diet while you are sick with gastroenteritis. This will help to rest
your digestive system and prevent further irritation. Bland foods include toast, crackers, bananas,
rice, and applesauce.
• Over-the-counter medications can help to relieve the symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as
nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These medications include loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth
subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).
• Antibiotics - are not usually necessary for gastroenteritis caused by a virus. However, antibiotics
may be prescribed for gastroenteritis caused by a bacteria, such as Salmonella or Campylobacter.
 Prevention of Gastroenteritis
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. This is the single most important thing you can do to
prevent the spread of gastroenteritis. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the
toilet, changing diapers, or before eating.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick. If you are sick with gastroenteritis, it is important to stay home
from work or school and avoid contact with other people. This will help to prevent the spread of the
infection.
• Cook food thoroughly. Make sure to cook food to the proper temperature to kill any harmful bacteria.
• Drink bottled water when traveling to developing countries. The water in developing countries may not
be safe to drink, so it is best to drink bottled water.
• Avoid swimming in contaminated water. Swimming in contaminated water can also increase your risk of
getting gastroenteritis.
• Foster good hygiene practices in your home. This includes keeping your kitchen and bathroom clean and
sanitary.
• Get vaccinated. There are vaccines available for some of the viruses that cause gastroenteritis, such as
rotavirus and hepatitis A.
Prevention of Gastroenteritis
 Gastroenteritis vaccines
• Rotavirus Vaccines: There are two types of rotavirus
vaccines available: monovalent and pentavalent.
• Monovalent Vaccine (Rotarix - RV1): Administered in two
doses, typically at ages 2 months and 4 months.
• Pentavalent Vaccine (RotaTeq - RV5): Administered in
three doses, usually at ages 2 months, 4 months, and 6
months.
• Price Variation: The cost of these vaccines may vary
depending on factors such as location and healthcare
provider.
• Limited Information: Currently, there is limited
information available about the development or
availability of other vaccines for gastroenteritis beyond
those specifically targeting rotavirus.