Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Acute Diarrheal Infections in Adults
Publication Date: May 1, 2016
Last Updated: March 14, 2022
Epidemiology and public health considerations
Diagnostic evaluation using stool culture and culture-independent methods if available should be used in situations where the individual patient is at high risk of spreading disease to others, and during known or suspected outbreaks. (Strong “We recommend”, Low)
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Diagnosis
Stool diagnostic studies may be used if available in cases of dysentery, moderate-to-severe disease, and symptoms lasting >7 days to clarify the etiology of the patient’s illness and enable specific directed therapy. (Strong “We recommend”Very low)
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Traditional methods of diagnosis (bacterial culture, microscopy with and without special stains and immunofluorescence, and antigen testing) fail to reveal the etiology of the majority of cases of acute diarrheal infection. If available, the use of Food and Drug Administration-approved culture-independent methods of diagnosis can be recommended at least as an adjunct to traditional methods. (Strong “We recommend”Low)
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Antibiotic sensitivity testing for management of the individual with acute diarrheal infection is currently not recommended. (Strong “We recommend”Very low)
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Treatment of acute disease
Oral rehydration
The usage of balanced electrolyte rehydration over other oral rehydration options in the elderly with severe diarrhea or any traveler with cholera-like watery diarrhea is recommended. Most individuals with acute diarrhea or gastroenteritis can keep up with fluids and salt by consumption of water, juices, sports drinks, soups, and saltine crackers. (Strong “We recommend”, Moderate)
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Title
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Acute Diarrheal Infections in Adults
Authoring Organization
American College of Gastroenterology