Paediatric
Gastroenteritis (including campylobacter enteritis)
- Majority of cases of acute gastroenteritis require NO antibiotic therapy.
- Rehydration and electrolyte replacement (oral rehydration solution e.g. dioralyte) is preferred. For more information on fluid management, refer to NICE guideline C684.
- If C diff is suspected, refer to Clostridioides difficile Infection guideline
- For information regarding infection prevention and control, see ‘Gastroenteritis at-a-glance‘
- Complete the notification form immediately on diagnosis of a suspected notifiable disease. See Notifiable diseases section for more information.
- Obtain a detailed travel history and any history of immunosuppression.
Indication for antimicrobials
Do not routinely give antibiotics to children with gastroenteritis. Seek advice from Paediatric ID/Micro about giving antibiotic treatment to children:
- with suspected or confirmed septicaemia
- with extra-intestinal spread of bacterial infection
- younger than 6 months with salmonella gastroenteritis
- who are malnourished or immunocompromised with salmonella gastroenteritis
- who have sickle cell disease with salmonella gastroenteritis
- with giardiasis, dysenteric amoebiasis or cholera
- with severe dysenteric shigellosis
- with severe campylobacteriosis (see treatment below)
Campylobacter enteritis
Usually self-limiting. NO antibiotic treatment usually required. ONLY treat if patient is immunocompromised.
In cases of severe infection, discuss with Paediatric ID/Micro.
Preferred
azithromycin 10mg/kg (max 500mg) po OD. Treat for 3 days