Bacterial Digestive Infections

What are bacterial digestive infections?

Bacterial digestive infections are diseases that affect the digestive organs as a result of ingesting of infectious bacterial organisms. Infectious bacteria scientifically known as Escherichia coli (E coli), Salmonella, and Shigella are the most common causes of bacterial digestive infections. Each of these infections causes nausea with or without vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. They may also cause bloody diarrhea, known as dysentery.

Bacterial digestive infections are common foodborne illnesses in the United States and spread among humans through contaminated food and water. Most commonly, people contract infected bacteria from drinking untreated, contaminated water or from eating raw, contaminated produce or undercooked meat, poultry or eggs. Once a person is infected, the bacteria live in the intestines and are passed in the stool of the infected person. Animals and insects can also be infected and spread the disease to humans.

The signs and symptoms of bacterial digestive infections can last five to seven days or longer. The disease course varies among individuals. Some people infected with bacterial digestive infections have mild symptoms, while others may have severe diarrhea with or without vomiting that can pose a risk of dehydration. Fortunately, bacterial infection can be treated successfully with antibiotics and fluid and nutritional support.

Left untreated, bacterial digestive infections may lead to severe dehydration. Severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can result in shock or coma and may be life threatening. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have symptoms of severe dehydration such as confusion, lethargy, loss of consciousness, cold skin, or reduced urine production. Seek prompt medical care if you develop diarrhea and vomiting and believe you may have been exposed to contaminated food or water.