Food poisoning and diarrhea: small intestine effects

Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2011 Oct;13(5):442-8. doi: 10.1007/s11894-011-0209-5.

Abstract

Transmission of foodborne pathogens remains a growing concern despite increasing public awareness and heightened federal measures to control infection. Over 76 million cases of acute diarrhea secondary to ingestion of contaminated food occur annually in the United States. Fortunately, most are self-limited and resolve without therapy, but up to 6000 deaths occur on an annual basis. Mechanisms of infection include consumption of a preformed toxin, formation of toxin following ingestion, and direct invasion of intestinal epithelial cells by the infecting organism. Diagnosis is most often confirmed through an accurate history, as cultures are often of low yield.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Infections / complications
  • Bacterial Toxins / adverse effects*
  • Caliciviridae Infections / complications
  • Diarrhea / diagnosis
  • Diarrhea / microbiology*
  • Diarrhea / virology
  • Foodborne Diseases / diagnosis
  • Foodborne Diseases / epidemiology
  • Foodborne Diseases / microbiology*
  • Foodborne Diseases / virology
  • Humans
  • Intestine, Small / microbiology
  • Intestine, Small / pathology*
  • Norovirus
  • Risk Factors
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Bacterial Toxins