Foodborne Infections

This review provides a practical and simple clinical approach to the diagnosis and management of foodborne infections. Most episodes of acute diarrhea are self-limited, and investigations should be performed only if the results will influence management and outcome. After history taking and physical examination, the clinical should be able to classify the acute diarrheal illness, assess the severity, and determine whether investigations are needed. Most patients do not require specific antimicrobial therapy. Therapy should be directed mainly at preventing dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions suffice in mild, self-limited diarrhea, as they are formulated to stimulate sodium and water absorption. However, intravenous hydration therapy is required in diarrheal patients with severe dehydration. Antibiotic therapy is required in dysentery.