HTHSCI 2HH3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Bloating, Formaldehyde, Medical Microbiology
Document Summary
Microbial diseases of the gi tract are the second most common cause of human illness in na. Vast majority of gi infections result from the ingestion of food or water contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms of their toxins. For the most part, these pathogens enter the food or water supply after being shed in the feces of people or animals infected with the organism. Microbial diseases of the digestive system are most often transmitted via the fecal-oral route. In most developed countries, this cycle of transmission is interrupted by effective sanitation practices in 1) food production and handling, 2) sewage treatment, and 3) disinfection of drinking water. However, breakdowns in these processes can (and sometimes do) occur leading to numerous and often widespread infections within large populations. Variety of microorganisms can cause gastroenteritis: each type of infection possess its own characteristic signs and symptoms that, when identified, help facilitate diagnosis.