title: [Infectious diarrhea - key reflections for approaching this problem].
abstract: Diarrhea is a frequent and complex entity which is caused by a large number of infectious and non-infectious reasons. A detailed clinical and epidemiological history will define whether an additional laboratory work-up and treatment is indicated. Acute diarrhea is predominantly caused by viral or bacterial pathogens and is usually of short duration without any therapeutic intervention. A parasitic or non-infectious cause must be primarily considered if the diarrhea persists over two weeks. Work-up of stool specimens must target the most likely pathogens or other causes considered. The key element of treatment of acute diarrhea is rehydration. An empirical anti-infective therapy may be considered in critically ill patients, persistent or chronic diarrhea as well as in selected epidemiological or risk situations.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin, Universitätsspital Zürich.
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ortega
authors.forename: Silvana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rampini
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004403:Dysentery / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D058006:General Practice; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D013557:Switzerland