From the Research
Introduction to Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is a major cause of mortality and morbidity globally, and its diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment and patient management 1. The condition typically presents with sudden stool changes, vomiting, and fever 2.
Diagnostic Criteria
The diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis should be based on clinical presentation and a thorough medical history, with stool testing reserved for severe cases or suspected outbreaks 2. The clinical presentation may include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Malaise
Laboratory Diagnosis
Laboratory diagnosis of gastroenteritis can be achieved through various methods, including:
- Stool culture: considered the reference method for diagnosis 3
- Microscopic examination of diarrheal stool
- Antigen tests for stool pathogens
- Molecular tests, such as multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 4
- Metagenomic next-generation sequencing 1
Treatment and Management
Symptomatic treatment and rehydration of the patient are usually sufficient 2. Antibiotic treatment is generally not recommended except in severe cases, risk situations, or the detection of specific pathogens 2. The treatment approach may involve:
- Rehydration therapy
- Symptomatic relief
- Antibiotic therapy (in severe cases or specific pathogens)
- Hospitalization (in severe cases)
Differential Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis of gastroenteritis should consider other causes of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as:
- Viral infections
- Parasitic infections
- Food poisoning
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Caveats and Considerations
The interpretation of a positive result from molecular tests, such as multiplex PCR, should be tailored to the clinical context 4. Additionally, the detection of viral antigens may cause false positive results in fast antigen tests 3. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment is essential for effective management of gastroenteritis.