Overview
Infective Gastroenteritis
1. Clinical Overview
Summary
Infective gastroenteritis is acute diarrhoea (+/- vomiting) due to gastrointestinal infection. Most cases are viral (norovirus, rotavirus) and self-limiting. Bacterial causes (Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli, Shigella) and parasites should be considered with bloody diarrhoea, travel, or prolonged symptoms. Management is supportive: oral rehydration, antiemetics if needed. Antibiotics only for specific indications. Public health notification may be required.
Key Facts
- Common causes: Viral (norovirus, rotavirus), bacterial (Campylobacter most common in UK)
- Management: Oral rehydration, symptomatic treatment
- Antibiotics: Not routinely indicated; consider for dysentery, immunocompromised
2. Common Pathogens
| Pathogen | Features |
|---|---|
| Norovirus | Vomiting predominant, outbreaks |
| Campylobacter | Bloody diarrhoea, poultry |
| Salmonella | Food poisoning, eggs/poultry |
| E. coli O157 | Bloody diarrhoea, HUS risk (avoid antibiotics) |
| Shigella | Dysentery, person-to-person |
3. Management
Supportive
- Oral rehydration solution
- Antiemetics if needed (ondansetron)
- Avoid loperamide if bloody diarrhoea
Antibiotics
- Not routine
- Consider if: severe, prolonged, immunocompromised, traveller's diarrhoea
- Ciprofloxacin or azithromycin if indicated
Last Reviewed: 2026-01-01 | MedVellum Editorial Team