Gastrointestinal Illness: Bacterial, Viral, and Parasitic Infections

Author(s):
Kathy Aureden MS, MT(ASCP)SI, CIC, FAPIC Infection Preventionist

Advocate Health Care - Advocate Health
Oak Brook, IL

Carolyn Fiutem, MSOL, MT(ASCP), CIC, FAPIC, CPHQ, ASSE12080 Director, Infection Prevention

Community Health Network
Indianapolis, IN

Original Publication:
August 4, 2025
Declarations of Conflicts of Interest:
  • Carolyn Fiutem reports no potential conflicts of interest.
  • Kathy Aureden MS, MT(ASCP)SI, CIC, FAPIC declares no conflicts of interest.
Acknowledgments:

This chapter replaces the previous APIC Text Diarrheal Diseases Chapters (Viral, Bacterial, and Parasitic) and Foodborne Illness Chapter. Special thanks to each of the previous authors for developing the respective 2014 sections:

Diarrheal Diseases Chapters 81A-C:
Viral - Anil Mangla, MD
Bacterial - Mary C. Thomas, MBBS, DTM&H, MPH
Parasitic - Carla Hausler, MPH; Donnie Diaz MPH; Mary C. Thomas MBBS, DTM&H, MPH

Foodborne Illness Chapter - Ynes Ortega, PhD, MPH

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) infections may be caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic pathogens. GI infections related to travel and to food contamination (foodborne illnesses or food poisoning) pose a significant and often serious public health threat. Although these infections can cause potentially debilitating disease at any age, they are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide for children younger than 5 years, older adults, and anyone with serious underlying immunocompromise. Ref 80-1 World Health Organization (WHO). Diarrhoea. https://www.who.int/health-topics/diarrhoea#tab=tab_1. Accessed November 19, 2024. - You do not have permission to view this object.  This chapter shares basic concepts associated with GI illnesses and discusses bacterial, viral, and parasitical GI Illnesses in dedicated sections.