Differentials

Sepsis

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Can be caused by many different pathogens. There are no differentiating signs and symptoms.

INVESTIGATIONS

Blood culture may provide the etiologic agent. Other sign/symptom-directed test (i.e., computed tomography of the abdomen) may provide the source of sepsis.

Gangrene

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Can be caused by infection or ischemia. There are no differentiating signs and symptoms.

INVESTIGATIONS

Blood culture may provide the etiologic agent.

Infectious diarrhea

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Differential diagnosis is broad, as various bacteria, parasites, and viruses cause diarrhea. There are no differentiating signs and symptoms.

INVESTIGATIONS

Presence of specific infectious agent on stool or serologic testing.

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