Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. The main symptom is diarrhoea, with other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, cramping, nausea and vomiting, also seen. The diarrhoea and vomiting can lead to patients, particularly young children and the elderly, rapidly becoming dehydrated. Although many cases do not require hospitalisation, it is estimated that gastroenteritis causes 5-10 million deaths per year worldwide¹.

Gastroenteritis may be caused by viral, bacterial or parasitic infections, with the most common routes of infection being food, contaminated water or contact with an infected person. Although anyone may become infected, people at a higher risk include young children, the elderly, immunocompromised people and travellers.

Rapid, differential diagnosis of the cause of infection is important, both for patient treatment and appropriate infection control measures. ProSpecT tests are quick and easy to perform, giving sensitive and specific results for the majority of causes of gastroenteritis.

For more information about ProSpecT range, please speak to your local Oxoid representative or contact Oxoid using contact details at the top of this page.


Reference:
1. http://my.clevelandclinic.org/