A 3-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department because of abdominal pain and diarrhea for the past 3 days. This morning he also had nausea and his stool had a red tint. The family recently brought home a new puppy from a kennel. The patient attends daycare. His immunizations are up-to-date. His temperature is 38.0°C (100.4°F), pulse is 140/min, and blood pressure is 80/45 mm Hg. Examination shows dry mucous membranes. The abdomen is soft, and there is tenderness to palpation. The patient's stool is positive for occult blood but negative for ova and parasites. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's symptoms?

Question

A 3-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department because of abdominal pain and diarrhea for the past 3 days. This morning he also had nausea and his stool had a red tint. The family recently brought home a new puppy from a kennel. The patient attends daycare. His immunizations are up-to-date. His temperature is 38.0°C (100.4°F), pulse is 140/min, and blood pressure is 80/45 mm Hg. Examination shows dry mucous membranes. The abdomen is soft, and there is tenderness to palpation. The patient's stool is positive for occult blood but negative for ova and parasites.  Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's symptoms?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Campylobacter infection is a common cause of gastroenteritis and is typically acquired from contaminated food (eg, undercooked poultry) or domesticated animals (eg, household dogs).  Manifestations usually include fever, cramping abdominal pain, and watery diarrhea that may be bloody.  Stool studies typically show blood and leukocytes.  Campylobacter infection is associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome.

A 3-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Emergency Department Because