Traveller’s diarrhoea is caused by ?
**Core Concept**
Traveller's diarrhoea is a clinical condition characterized by the sudden onset of diarrhoea, typically occurring within the first few days of travel to a new region. This condition is often caused by the ingestion of contaminated food or water, leading to an infectious process.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The primary cause of traveller's diarrhoea is the ingestion of bacteria, viruses, or parasites that contaminate food and water. The most common pathogens responsible for this condition include *Escherichia coli* (E. coli), *Campylobacter jejuni*, *Salmonella Typhi*, *Shigella*, *Norovirus*, and *Rotavirus*. These pathogens invade the intestinal mucosa, leading to inflammation and disruption of the normal intestinal function, resulting in diarrhoea.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because *Staphylococcus aureus* is more commonly associated with food poisoning, which typically presents with vomiting rather than diarrhoea.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because *Vibrio cholerae* is the causative agent of cholera, a distinct clinical entity characterized by profuse, watery diarrhoea.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because *Clostridium difficile* is primarily associated with antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, which typically occurs after the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
To prevent traveller's diarrhoea, it is essential to maintain good hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently, avoiding undercooked food and raw vegetables, and drinking bottled or filtered water.
**Correct Answer: D. Norovirus, Rotavirus, Shigella, Salmonella Typhi, Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli**