Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: August 1, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Cholera-like Diarrhea with Bone and Joint Involvement

  • Single most likely diagnosis:
    • Shigella: This organism is known to cause severe diarrhea, which can be cholera-like in its presentation. Additionally, Shigella infections can lead to complications such as reactive arthritis, which affects the bones and joints, occurring in about 1-3% of cases but can be considered in the context of the question as it mentions a significant percentage of patients having bone and joint effects.
  • Other Likely diagnoses:
    • Salmonella: Salmonella infections can cause gastroenteritis that might resemble cholera in severity, including diarrhea. Furthermore, Salmonella can lead to reactive arthritis, particularly in individuals with the HLA-B27 genotype, which could explain the bone and joint involvement in a subset of patients.
    • Clostridium difficile: While primarily known for causing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Clostridium difficile can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms. However, its direct association with bone and joint effects is less common compared to the other pathogens listed, though it could potentially lead to reactive arthritis in rare cases.
  • Do Not Miss diagnoses:
    • Vibrio cholerae: Although the question asks for an organism causing "cholera-like" diarrhea, Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, should not be overlooked. Cholera can lead to severe dehydration and, in rare cases, might be associated with secondary infections or complications affecting the bones and joints, though this is not a primary characteristic.
  • Rare diagnoses:
    • Yersinia enterocolitica: This bacterium can cause a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, and is known to trigger reactive arthritis, especially in individuals with certain genetic predispositions. However, it is less commonly encountered than the other pathogens listed.
    • Campylobacter jejuni: Another cause of gastroenteritis, Campylobacter jejuni can lead to reactive arthritis in some patients. While it's a common cause of diarrhea, its association with bone and joint involvement is notable but less frequent than the primary symptoms.

Related Questions

Is Trazodone (triazolopyridine antidepressant) safe to use in patients with a strict low histamine diet?
What is the pharmacological treatment of choice for hepatic steatosis, specifically in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)?
Should epinephrine be administered immediately upon exposure to an allergen or after symptoms of anaphylaxis appear, and should antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (antihistamine), be used concurrently?
Can elevated plasma histamine levels cause urinary issues?
What is the treatment for adult ear infections?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question