Diarrhea is defined as the passage of loose or watery stools, typically at least three times in a 24-hour period [3]. Acute diarrhea is defined as diarrhea of ≤14 days in duration, in contrast to persistent (>14 days and ≤30 days) or chronic (>30 days) diarrhea.
Types of Acute Diarrhea
Acute watery diarrhea | Acute bloody diarrhea |
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In a non-epidemic situation, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (E. coli). |
Shigella species, particularly Shigella flexneri, are the most important. |