Type of infection | Diarrhea | Other symptoms | Physical examination | Sigmoidoscopic examination |
Diarrhea with colitis | • Multiple loose bowel movements per day • Occult bleeding may be seen • Hematochezia rare | Nausea, anorexia, fever, malaise, dehydration, leukocytosis with left shift | Abdominal distention, tenderness | Diffuse or patchy nonspecific colitis |
Fulminant colitis | • Diarrhea may be severe OR diminished (due to paralytic ileus and colonic dilatation) • Surgical consult required; colectomy can be life saving | Lethargy, fever, tachycardia, abdominal pain; dilated colon/paralytic ileus may be demonstrated on plain abdominal film | May present as acute abdomen; peritoneal signs suggest perforation | Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy contraindicated; flexible proctoscopy with minimal air insufflation may be diagnostic |
Asymptomatic carriage | Absent | Absent | Normal | Normal |
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