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
BenchmarkShiga-toxin-producing E. coli infectionCryptosporidiosisNipah Virus Infection
AgentEscherichia coli STECCryptosporidium spp.Henipavirus nipahense
FamilyBacteriaParasiteVirus
Paths and contextsWater and food
Animal / zoonosis
Close contact
Water and food
Close contact
Animal / zoonosis
Animal / zoonosis
Water and food
Close contact
What distinguishes diseaseDigestive infection that may be related to food, water, animals or fecooral transmission.Diarrhoeal infection transmitted by resistant oocysts in water or by contact with infected people and animals.Emerging zoonose related to frugivorous bats, transmissible by animals, contaminated food or between people.
PreventionSufficient meat cooking, pasteurized milk, plant washing and hygiene after animal contact.Hand hygiene, safe water and respect for temporary exclusions from bathing after diarrhea.Avoid potentially contaminated foods, strengthen animal biosecurity and apply care precautions.
DeepeningForm →
CDC — référence ↗
Form →
CDC — référence ↗
Form →
WHO — reference
Diagnosis and monitoringIdentification of the type of E. coli and toxins is important. Specify exposures and provide complete results; "E. coli" alone does not describe all infections.Stool tests should look for this parasite with a suitable technique. Report swimming, water consumption and animal contact.RT-PCR on adapted samples and sometimes antibody tests confirm infection. The sampling is reserved for equipped and trained teams.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
  • Blood in the stool and number of urine
  • Food and animal contact
  • Dates of bathing and beginning of signs
  • Immunodepression and treatment
  • Stay and food consumed
  • Contacts with animals or sick person

What this table allows to understand

The selected records cover 3 agent family/families. They share the following routes or contexts in our catalogue: Water and food · Animal / zoonosis · 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.