Treatment for foodborne illness

Guerrant suggests an algorithm for managing infectious diarrhea that includes Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC), Campylobacter and C. difficile.²⁴

In a majority of cases, foodborne illness resolves on its own in anywhere from a few days to two weeks. Rehydration is recommended for all diarrhea cases along with supportive care. Antimicrobial therapy should be reserved for the most severe cases and to prevent progression to more serious conditions such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and to prevent the spread of infection.²¹

Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC) infections

The CDC recommends close monitoring of renal function, hemoglobin, and platelet count.¹⁸ There has been no clear-cut demonstration of the benefits of antibiotic treatment for STEC.²¹

Campylobacter infection

Supportive care is also indicated for Campylobacter infection. When severe illness necessitates, quinolones and erythromycin are called for.¹⁸

Professional guidelines for diagnosing and managing foodborne illness