From the Guidelines
Gastroenteritis is most commonly caused by viral infections, with norovirus being the leading culprit, accounting for 58% of cases, followed by Salmonella enterica subspecies, which is the leading cause of hospitalization and death. The most common causes of gastroenteritis can be broken down into:
- Viral infections: norovirus and rotavirus are the most common causes, with norovirus being the most prevalent, responsible for 58% of cases 1
- Bacterial causes: Salmonella enterica subspecies, Campylobacter, Shigella, and Escherichia coli, which typically contaminate food or water
- Parasitic infections: Giardia and Cryptosporidium can also cause gastroenteritis, particularly in areas with poor sanitation
- Food poisoning: toxins produced by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus represent another significant cause
- Medications: certain medications, particularly antibiotics, can disrupt gut flora and lead to gastroenteritis, with Clostridium difficile infection being a serious complication of antibiotic use
The transmission of gastroenteritis typically occurs through the fecal-oral route, with contaminated food, water, or direct contact with infected individuals being common vectors. Prevention strategies include:
- Proper handwashing
- Safe food handling practices
- Vaccination against rotavirus for infants Most cases resolve within a few days with supportive care focused on hydration, though severe cases may require specific antimicrobial treatment depending on the identified pathogen 1.
From the Research
Most Common Causes of Gastroenteritis
The most common causes of gastroenteritis include:
- Norovirus: a highly contagious virus that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever, headache, and stomach pain 2, 3, 4
- Rotavirus: a major cause of childhood mortality, mainly in developing countries, and can cause severe pediatric gastroenteritis 5, 3, 4
- Campylobacter: a common cause of infectious diarrhea 6
- Salmonella: a common cause of foodborne illness 6
- Shigella: a highly infectious bacteria that can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6
- Pathogenic Escherichia coli: a type of bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea and kidney failure 6
- Clostridium difficile: a bacteria that can cause diarrhea, colitis, and life-threatening complications 6
Viral Causes of Gastroenteritis
Viral causes of gastroenteritis include:
- Norovirus: the most common cause of outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in all age groups 2, 3, 4
- Rotavirus: a major cause of childhood mortality, mainly in developing countries 5, 3, 4
- Sapovirus: a virus that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps 4
- Astrovirus: a virus that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps 4
- Enteric adenoviruses: a type of virus that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps 5
Bacterial Causes of Gastroenteritis
Bacterial causes of gastroenteritis include:
- Campylobacter: a common cause of infectious diarrhea 6
- Salmonella: a common cause of foodborne illness 6
- Shigella: a highly infectious bacteria that can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6
- Pathogenic Escherichia coli: a type of bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea and kidney failure 6
- Clostridium difficile: a bacteria that can cause diarrhea, colitis, and life-threatening complications 6