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Inflammatory bowel disease masquerading as traveller's diarrhoea
Adam Stewart1, David Sowden1, Andrew Sloss2
1Infectious Diseases Service, Department of Medicine, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
Internal Medicine Journal
|June 12, 2019
Summary
Travel-related diarrhea can mask serious conditions like ulcerative colitis. Promptly considering non-infectious causes beyond bacterial pathogens is crucial for early diagnosis and preventing severe outcomes in young travelers.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Diarrhea after travel is often infectious.
- Atypical or prolonged cases require broader etiological consideration.
- Travel history is key in diagnosing diarrhea.
Observation:
- Two cases presented with travel-related diarrhea.
- Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis was delayed by positive bacterial stool tests.
- Severe inflammatory bowel disease necessitated colectomy in both patients.
Findings:
- Bacterial pathogen identification in stool can mislead diagnosis.
- Focusing solely on infection can delay recognition of non-infectious causes.
- Ulcerative colitis can mimic infectious traveler's diarrhea.
Implications:
- Early consideration of non-infectious causes is vital for traveler's diarrhea.
- Prompt diagnosis can prevent severe morbidity and unnecessary colectomy.
- Integrated diagnostic approaches are needed for complex travel-related gastrointestinal issues.