Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is a condition characterized by bloody, watery stools and crampy abdominal pains. This condition is often a food-borne disease, caused by infectious organisms such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
One of the most common bacterial causes of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is Escherichia coli (E.coli), specifically the O157:H7 strain. This bacteria species is responsible for over 260,000 illnesses yearly in the United States, leading to more than 2,100 hospitalizations and deaths.
The symptoms of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis can be severe. They include crampy abdominal pain, watery and bloody diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and dehydration. Some individuals may also develop a fever. In more severe cases, individuals may experience bloody stools or significant dehydration, which may require emergency care.
Diagnosing hemorrhagic gastroenteritis primarily involves a stool culture test. However, further tests such as molecular diagnostics, complete blood count, and serum electrolyte and urea level may also be conducted.
Supportive treatment, including fluid and electrolyte resuscitation, is the mainstay of treatment for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. In severe cases, immediate fluid and electrolyte resuscitation is necessary to prevent life-threatening cardiovascular collapse. In cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a complication of E. coli 0157:H7 infection, blood cell transfusions may be necessary to replace depleted cells.
While hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is often food-borne, other noninfectious causes include inflammatory bowel diseases and medications.
Humans can come into contact with the infectious organisms that cause hemorrhagic gastroenteritis through ingesting poorly cooked meats or dairy products, drinking unpasteurized milk, exposure to contaminated farm animal products, unhygienic food handling practices, or exposure to contaminated water.
It's important to note that while E. coli O157:H7 is a significant cause of foodborne hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in the U.S., an exact annual incidence rate for this specific clinical manifestation is not provided in the available documents. However, it is known that E. coli O157:H7 is among the major foodborne pathogenic bacteria causing significant illness, with foodborne illnesses overall accounting for an estimated 9.4 million cases annually in the U.S., including E. coli infections.
In milder cases, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis can resolve in a few days without treatment. However, it's crucial to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
[1] Data sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and various scientific publications.
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