Types of Diarrhea Diseases

Diarrhea is caused by a number of infectious agents, including bacteria, parasites, and viruses. Some of these pathogens including ETEC, cholera, and rotavirus, are associated with acute watery diarrhea (AWD); which is characterized by rapid fluid loss and dehydration. Other pathogens, such as Shigella and Entamoeba, cause dysentery (or bloody diarrhea), which is characterized by blood in the stool. Additionally, numerous bacteria, viruses, parasites (such as giardia) and other factors are associated with persistent diarrhea.  Both AWD and dysentery can kill, especially if the child is malnourished or suffers repeated bouts of infection.  The iOWH Diarrheal Disease Program aims to develop safe, effective, and affordable drugs for both acute watery diarrhea and dysentery for adults and children in developing countries.

Acute Watery, among the most common causes of acture watery diarrhea in developing regions are enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), cholera, and rotavirus.

Dysentery is bloody diarrhea.

Persistent diarrhea is defined as diarrhea of 14 or more days duration.  It is associated with malnutrition, HIV infection, and a number of bacteria, viruses and parasites.