Infectious colitis is usually a short-term condition that just involves at-home symptom management. However, antibiotics are sometimes needed to clear up bacterial infections.
This article looks at types of infectious colitis, its symptoms, how it’s diagnosed and treated, your outlook after infection, and how to prevent infectious colitis.
Types
Infectious colitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Bacterial
A large number of cases of infectious colitis are caused by bacteria, specifically food-borne bacteria. Common causes of bacterial colitis include:
Campylobacter Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) Escherichia coli (E. coli) Salmonella Shigella Yersinia
Viral
Infectious colitis can also be caused by viruses like the cytomegalovirus (CMV). It is a common virus that can be spread through bodily fluids like saliva, blood, urine, semen, and vaginal fluids. It can cause CMV colitis, resulting in inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
Aside from CMV, other viruses that can cause colitis include:
Adenovirus, which causes cold-like symptoms Norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhea Rotavirus, which causes severe, watery diarrhea in children and infants
Parasitic
One common example parasite that can cause colitis is Entamoeba histolytica. Another is the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), which leads to Chagas disease, most common in Central America and South America.
Many parasitic infections that cause colitis can be spread through water or food contaminated by infected stools, like Entamoeba histolytica, close personal contact through the rectal area or mouth, or contaminated fertilizer made from human waste.
In the case of T. cruzi, the parasite is most commonly spread through the bite and fecal matter of an insect, the triatomine bug.
Symptoms
Symptoms of infectious colitis can vary depending on what kind you have. They can include:
Bloating, abdominal pain, cramping Bloody or mucus-filled bowel movements Dehydration Diarrhea Headaches Fever Vomiting
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will provide a routine screening, assessing your past history of infectious colitis. You may also be asked if you have been using any antibiotics and whether you have traveled recently, especially to areas that do not have a clean water supply. Additionally, you’ll be questioned about whether you have been admitted to a hospital.
Sudden weight lossDizziness and confusionChanges in urinationPresence of blood in your stool or excessive quantities of blood in your stoolChanges in your heartbeat Difficulty breathing
Beyond this, your provider will assess your level of dehydration and take a stool sample to see if you have any viruses, parasites, or bacteria in your system that may be causing your colitis symptoms.
People with sepsis (a life-threatening condition caused by an infection in your body), older adults, and individuals who are immunocompromised may need to go through imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT (computed tomography) scan. Separately, a colonoscopy (a procedure using a long, flexible tube with a camera attached) may be performed to examine your colon.
Treatment
It’s important that you focus on hydration. Your healthcare provider will ask you to drink an appropriate amount of liquids. They will let you know what and how much you should be drinking to stay hydrated. You may also be prescribed a hydrating solution that has to be either consumed orally or administered through an IV (an intravenous drip). There will be an emphasis on making sure you load up on electrolytes.
These are forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
If you have a bacterial infection, you most likely will be prescribed antibiotics, but, again, the dosage, amount, and exact medication will vary depending on the infection and person being treated. Adhere to the recommended dosage, and do not go above or below what your provider prescribes.
Some bacterial infections, like Salmonella don’t require antibiotic treatments. A viral colitis infection will require an emphasis on volume of liquid intake. Treatment for parasitic colitis will generally involve hydrating and you might be prescribed a specific medication depending on the infection. Some surgical procedures on the colon, rectum, or surrounding areas may be needed in more serious cases.
Consult with your provider to review the best course of treatment and care as you recover from a case of infectious colitis.
Prognosis
The outlook depends on each individual case. Bacterial, viral, and parasitic cases of colitis can be cured when the appropriate measures are taken. Infectious colitis is not a chronic condition that needs to be managed like Crohn’s disease.
How long infectious colitis lasts also differs from person to person. For instance, mild-to-moderate infectious bacterial colitis in children tend to last just one to three days and less than seven days in adults. More severe cases could last for as long as three to four weeks.Viral colitis should resolve by a one to two weeks if you adhere to the treatment prescribed and focus on rehydrating and resting.
There is no broad, uniform amount of time it takes for parasitic colitis to resolve, but Chagas disease generally resolves within eight weeks.
Prevention
There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting infectious colitis. Given that transmission can involve handling food items, it’s suggested that you always clean your utensils thoroughly before and after use. You should always keep raw and cooked foods separate and avoid eating undercooked items.
Also be aware of the water you drink. Avoid taking in water from swimming pools and bodies of waters like lakes. When you are traveling, rely on bottled water, but still make sure you know where the water is coming from and whether it’s clean.
You should also wash your hands frequently to avoid the spread of germs. If you notice any sudden changes in your health or are concerned that you may have been exposed to an infection, contact your healthcare provider.
A Word From Verywell
Infectious colitis, whether viral, bacterial, or parasitic, can be a serious condition. It can lead to weight loss, digestive problems, bloating, fever, and more severe illness. As with any infection, it’s important to prevent its spread. Be mindful of what you are eating and drinking when traveling, and always practice proper hygiene to prevent the spread of germs.
If you notice abrupt changes in your health or are concerned about potential symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away.
