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
BenchmarkCryptosporidiosisTaeniasis and cysticercosisShiga-toxin-producing E. coli infection
AgentCryptosporidium spp.Taenia soliumEscherichia coli STEC
FamilyParasiteParasiteBacteria
Paths and contextsWater and food
Close contact
Animal / zoonosis
Water and food
Animal / zoonosis
Close contact
Water and food
Animal / zoonosis
Close contact
What distinguishes diseaseDiarrhoeal infection transmitted by resistant oocysts in water or by contact with infected people and animals.Tenasis follows the ingestion of pigs containing larvae; cysticercosis follows the ingestion of eggs of the parasite by the fecooral route.Digestive infection that may be related to food, water, animals or fecooral transmission.
PreventionHand hygiene, safe water and respect for temporary exclusions from bathing after diarrhea.Sanitation, hand washing, meat inspection, sufficient cooking and carrier treatment.Sufficient meat cooking, pasteurized milk, plant washing and hygiene after animal contact.
DeepeningForm →
CDC — référence ↗
Form →
WHO — reference
Form →
CDC — référence ↗
Diagnosis and monitoringStool tests should look for this parasite with a suitable technique. Report swimming, water consumption and animal contact.Convulsive crisis should be evaluated quickly. The distinction between intestinal worm and tissue cysts is essential for organizing examinations and treatment.Identification of the type of E. coli and toxins is important. Specify exposures and provide complete results; "E. coli" alone does not describe all infections.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
  • Dates of bathing and beginning of signs
  • Immunodepression and treatment
  • Residence places and food exhibitions
  • Crises, headache and visual disorders
  • Blood in the stool and number of urine
  • Food and animal contact

What this table allows to understand

The selected records cover 2 agent family/families. They share the following routes or contexts in our catalogue: Water and food · Close contact · Animal / zoonosis. 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.