Clinical Information

Diarrhea may be caused by a number of agents (eg, bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemicals) and these agents may result in similar symptoms. A thorough patient history covering symptoms, severity and duration of illness, age, travel history, food consumption, history of recent antibiotic use, and illnesses in the family or other contacts will help the physician determine the appropriate testing to be performed.

Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of endemic, epidemic, and pandemic cholera, results in large volumes of rice-water stools due to the production of an enterotoxin. Severe dehydration is of concern in patients without access to adequate medical care. In the United States, Vibrio parahemolyticus is the most common cause of Vibrio disease. Vibrio parahemolyticus is associated with the consumption of raw shellfish or fish and results in gastroenteritis with nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, low-grade fever, and chills. Usually rehydration is the only treatment required, although in some cases, antimicrobial therapy is needed.