Bloody diarrhea and fever developing within 24-48 hours after eating contaminated food. Dx and tx.

Bloody diarrhea and fever developing within 24-48 hours after eating contaminated food. Dx and tx.

• A. Shigellosis
• B. Campylobacteriosis
• C. Salmonellosis
• D. EHEC

Answer: (C)

Acute bacterial gastroenteritis from contaminated food often presents with fever and diarrhea that begin within a day or two after exposure. The 24–48 hour window fits the typical incubation for Salmonella, which is a common cause of foodborne illness and commonly produces fever with diarrheal illness after ingestion of contaminated food. Blood in the stool can occur with invasive disease, but many healthy adults still present with fever and diarrhea from Salmonella infection. Diagnosis is made by stool culture identifying Salmonella; in more severe or at-risk patients, blood cultures may be helpful. Treatment is mainly supportive: ensure adequate hydration with oral rehydration or IV fluids, antiemetics as needed, and avoid antimotility medications that can worsen infection. Antibiotics are not routinely used in uncomplicated cases, but are indicated for high-risk individuals or severe disease; when used, options include agents such as a fluoroquinolone or azithromycin, and IV antibiotics like ceftriaxone are reserved for invasive or complicated disease.

Acute bacterial gastroenteritis from contaminated food often presents with fever and diarrhea that begin within a day or two after exposure. The 24–48 hour window fits the typical incubation for Salmonella, which is a common cause of foodborne illness and commonly produces fever with diarrheal illness after ingestion of contaminated food. Blood in the stool can occur with invasive disease, but many healthy adults still present with fever and diarrhea from Salmonella infection.

Diagnosis is made by stool culture identifying Salmonella; in more severe or at-risk patients, blood cultures may be helpful. Treatment is mainly supportive: ensure adequate hydration with oral rehydration or IV fluids, antiemetics as needed, and avoid antimotility medications that can worsen infection. Antibiotics are not routinely used in uncomplicated cases, but are indicated for high-risk individuals or severe disease; when used, options include agents such as a fluoroquinolone or azithromycin, and IV antibiotics like ceftriaxone are reserved for invasive or complicated disease.