INTRODUCTION TO GI TRACT INFECTIONS

1. Define the terms diarrhea, dysentery,gastroenteritis and enterocolitis.

a. Diarrhea
● Abnormal faecal discharge characterized by frequent
and/or fluid stool; usually resulting from disease of small
intestine & involving increased fluid and electrolyte loss.

b. Dysentery
● An inflammatory disorder of the GIT often associated with
blood and pus in the faeces & accompanied by symptoms
of pain, fever, abdominal cramps; usually resulting from
disease of the large intestine.

c. Gastroenteritis
● A syndrome characterized by GIT symptoms including
nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort

d. Enterocolitis
● Inflammation involving the mucosa of both the small and
large intestines.