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
BenchmarkShigellosisShiga-toxin-producing E. coli infectionAmebiasis
AgentShigella spp.Escherichia coli STECEntamoeba histolytica
FamilyBacteriaBacteriaParasite
Paths and contextsWater and food
Close contact
Water and food
Animal / zoonosis
Close contact
Water and food
Close contact
What distinguishes diseaseIntestinal infection highly transmissible by faecal route, directly or via contaminated water and food.Digestive infection that may be related to food, water, animals or fecooral transmission.Intestinal infection transmitted by the faecal route, rarely reaching the liver or other organs.
PreventionCareful hand washing, sanitation and strict precautions when preparing food.Sufficient meat cooking, pasteurized milk, plant washing and hygiene after animal contact.Safe water and food, hand washing and sexual precautions reducing faecal exposure.
DeepeningForm →
CDC — référence ↗
Form →
CDC — référence ↗
Form →
CDC — référence ↗
Diagnosis and monitoringThe professional evaluates the gravity and decides on useful analyses. Describe water, meals, community and contacts without assuming that only one food is responsible.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.Several stool samples may be required. Similar parasites should be distinguished by appropriate methods.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
  • Blood in the stool and hydration
  • Travel and cases in the surrounding area
  • Blood in the stool and number of urine
  • Food and animal contact
  • Water, travel and contacts
  • Blood in stool or fever

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. 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.