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
BenchmarkCholeraAnthraxBotulism
AgentVibrio choleraeBacillus anthracisClostridium botulinum toxin
FamilyBacteriaBacteriaBacteria
Paths and contextsWater and food
Animal / zoonosis
Environment
Water and food
Water and food
Environment
What distinguishes diseaseAcute diarrhoeal infection associated with ingestion of contaminated water or food, with the risk of rapid dehydration.Bacterial zoonose associated with persistent spores acquired by contact, ingestion or inhalation depending on the context.Rare but severe neurological intoxication, most often caused by toxin formed in poorly prepared or preserved foods.
PreventionSafe water, sanitation, hygiene, rapid access to care and oral vaccination in the contexts indicated.Veterinary control, professional protection and immediate management of any suspected exposure.Respect safe sterilization processes and discard any canned, sloppy or suspicious without tasting it.
DeepeningForm →
WHO — reference		Form →
CDC — référence ↗		Form →
WHO — reference
Diagnosis and monitoringA context of outbreak, appropriate symptoms and examinations contribute to the diagnosis. Monitoring distinguishes the detection of a case and the study of an outbreak. Rehydrate people quickly is essential and should not wait for full confirmation.The assessment should distinguish between pathways of entry and clinical forms. A black lesion alone is not evidence; describe handling of tissues, skins or animal products.The team relies on neurological signs and exposure history. Specialized analyses should not delay an urgent therapeutic decision.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
  • Start, frequency of diarrhea and vomiting
  • Drinking capacity and quantity of urine
  • Product or animal concerned
  • Mode and date of exhibition
  • Foods consumed and people who shared the meal
  • Time of the first neurological disorders

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. 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.