enterocolitis

(ent″ĕ-rō-kŏ-līt′ĭs )

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[ entero- + colitis ]
Inflammation of the small or large bowel, usually as a result of an infectious disease. The most common causative organisms include rotaviruses and other enteric viruses, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Shigella, Campylobacter, and Yersinia species. A potentially severe presentation, pseudo-membranous enterocolitis, may be induced by prolonged use of antibiotics allowing the overgrowth of Clostridium difficile.
SEE: diarrhea; SEE: gastroenteritis

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