Differential Diagnosis for Diarrhea after Mexico Trip
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Traveler's diarrhea (most commonly caused by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)) - This is the most likely diagnosis due to the high incidence of traveler's diarrhea in individuals traveling to Mexico, where contaminated food and water are common sources of infection.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Giardiasis (infection with Giardia lamblia) - A common cause of waterborne outbreaks, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
- Salmonellosis (infection with Salmonella species) - Can be acquired through contaminated food and water.
- Shigellosis (infection with Shigella species) - Often spread through contaminated food and water, and can cause severe diarrhea.
- Viral gastroenteritis (e.g., Norovirus, Rotavirus) - Common causes of diarrhea that can be spread through contaminated food, water, and person-to-person contact.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses:
- Cholera (infection with Vibrio cholerae) - Although less common, cholera can cause severe, life-threatening diarrhea and is a critical diagnosis not to miss, especially in travelers to areas where cholera is endemic.
- Amoebic dysentery (infection with Entamoeba histolytica) - Can cause severe diarrhea and is potentially life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Cyclosporiasis (infection with Cyclospora cayetanensis) - Can cause prolonged diarrhea and is often associated with travel to endemic areas.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Cryptosporidiosis (infection with Cryptosporidium species) - More commonly seen in immunocompromised individuals but can occur in healthy travelers.
- Yersiniosis (infection with Yersinia enterocolitica) - A less common cause of diarrhea that can be acquired through contaminated food and water.
- Intestinal parasites (e.g., hookworm, roundworm) - Although less likely, these parasites can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, in travelers to endemic areas.