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Gastrointestinal infections
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. procopg@ccf.org
Abstract:
Advances in public health have reduced the risk of contracting certain enteric diseases, but many remain, and new pathogens have emerged and/or recently have been discovered. The pathogenic agents are varied and consist of a variety of bacteria and select viruses and parasites. Selected use of microbiologic assays to detect these pathogens is encouraged. When tests are ordered non-judiciously, costs rapidly accrue. The age of the patient, time of year, travel history, and clinical presentation all provide clues to the etiologic agent. Microbiologic assays should be used judiciously to confirm or exclude the likely infectious agents.
Insights
Public health advances have decreased some enteric diseases, but new pathogens emerge. Judicious use of microbiologic assays, guided by patient factors, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and cost control.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Despite public health advancements, enteric diseases remain a significant concern.
- Emerging and newly discovered pathogens contribute to the burden of enteric infections.
- Pathogenic agents include diverse bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of judicious use of microbiologic assays for enteric pathogens.
- To highlight factors influencing the selection of appropriate diagnostic tests.
- To advocate for cost-effective diagnostic strategies in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of current knowledge on enteric pathogens and diagnostic methods.
- Analysis of factors influencing etiologic agent identification (age, season, travel, symptoms).
- Emphasis on the role of clinical presentation in guiding diagnostic test selection.
Main Results:
- Microbiologic assays are essential for detecting and confirming enteric pathogens.
- Non-judicious testing leads to escalating healthcare costs.
- Clinical information is vital for selecting the most relevant diagnostic assays.
Conclusions:
- Strategic application of microbiologic assays is recommended for diagnosing enteric diseases.
- Clinical clues should guide the selection of diagnostic tests to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
- Judicious testing aids in confirming or excluding suspected infectious agents, optimizing patient care.