Infectious Colitis

Question 1

Define Infectious Colitis?

Answer 1

Inflammation of the colon due to bacteria, parasites or viruses

Question 2

What is the aetiology of Infectious Colitis?

Answer 2

Infection leads to inflammation of the colon

Question 3

What are the risk factors for Infectious Colitis?

Answer 3

Lack of sanitation
Drinking contamined water
Antibiotic Use

Question 4

What is the epidemiology of Infectious Colitis?

Answer 4

Quite COMMON

Question 5

What are the presenting symptoms and signs of Infectious Colitis?

Answer 5

Diarrhoea 
Blood and mucus in the stools
Lower abdominal pain 
Malaise 
Low-grade fever

Question 6

What investigations would you do for Infectious Colitis?

Answer 6

Diagnosis is largely clinical

Stool Culture may be used to identify the causative organism