General information, not a diagnosis Method and limitations

CompareUseful differences

Compare infectious diseases

The same route of exposure may involve very different agents. Compare the mechanisms and prevention, then consult the original records and sources.

Choose up to four diseases

Agents, Exposures and Prevention

Documentary comparison of 3 diseases; no estimate of individual risk
BenchmarkAmebiasisCryptosporidiosisGiardiasis
AgentEntamoeba histolyticaCryptosporidium spp.Giardia duodenalis
FamilyParasiteParasiteParasite
Paths and contextsWater and food
Close contact
Water and food
Close contact
Animal / zoonosis
Water and food
Close contact
What distinguishes diseaseIntestinal infection transmitted by the faecal route, rarely reaching the liver or other organs.Diarrhoeal infection transmitted by resistant oocysts in water or by contact with infected people and animals.Intestinal infection transmitted by ingestion of cysts in water, food, hands or surfaces.
PreventionSafe water and food, hand washing and sexual precautions reducing faecal exposure.Hand hygiene, safe water and respect for temporary exclusions from bathing after diarrhea.Safe water, hand washing and precautions during aquatic or outdoor activities.
DeepeningForm →
CDC — référence ↗
Form →
CDC — référence ↗
Form →
CDC — référence ↗
Diagnosis and monitoringSeveral stool samples may be required. Similar parasites should be distinguished by appropriate methods.Stool tests should look for this parasite with a suitable technique. Report swimming, water consumption and animal contact.Stool tests are looking for the parasite. Several samples may be requested because their presence in the stool varies.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
  • Water, travel and contacts
  • Blood in stool or fever
  • Dates of bathing and beginning of signs
  • Immunodepression and treatment
  • Travel, hiking and water consumption
  • Duration of diarrhoea and changes in weight

What this table allows to understand

The selected records cover 1 agent family/families. They share the following routes or contexts in our catalogue: Water and food · Close contact. These associations describe the selected data; they do not measure contagiousness, severity or personal risk.

To review a comparison, choose one row and open the reference for each column. A preventive measure mentioned in one record and absent from another is not necessarily unnecessary in the second situation: the summaries and their scope may differ.

If symptoms occurThe table does not select any test or treatment. A fever after a stay in the malaria area should be reported promptly, even if prevention has been taken.
Understanding agent, vector and exposure →

Further reading

These publications help you verify the concepts discussed. Disease records and directory entries each identify their sources.

The content modification date does not mean that every source has undergone a new medical review. Verification method and scope.