The botulism neurotoxin is one of the most potent, lethal substances known. Botulism is a disease caused by this neurotoxin (specifically A, B, E, or F type neurotoxin). The neurotoxin is produced by bacteria called Clostr...

Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial infection caused by Campylobacter bacteria. It is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the world, typically contracted through the consumption of contaminated food or water. Symptoms of campylobac...

Ulcerative colitis (UL-sur-uh-tiv koe-LIE-tis) is an inflammatory bowel disease ...

Ulcerative colitis (UL-sur-uh-tiv koe-LIE-tis) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in your digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. ...

Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria normally live in the intestines of healthy people and animals. Most varieties of E. coli are harmless or cause relatively brief diarrhea. But a few particularly nasty strains, such as E. coli O157:H7, can cause ...

Giardiasis is a common intestinal infection caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia lamblia. It is typically contracted by ingesting contaminated food or water, and can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, and weigh...

Tropical Sprue is a rare digestive disease in which the small intestine's ability to absorb nutrients is impaired (malabsorption). Consequently, nutritional deficiencies and abnormalities in the mucous lining of the small intestine may be present....

Salmonellosis is a type of food poisoning caused by the Salmonella bacteria. It is typically contracted by consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. In most cases, the ...

Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. It is typically spread through contaminated food or water, or through close contact with an infected person. Symptoms of shigellosis can include diarrhea, fever, s...

Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by abnormal thickening of the skin. Connective tissue is composed of collagen, which supports and binds other body tissues. There are several types of scleroderma. Some type...

Travelers' diarrhea is defined by most experts as three or more unformed stools in a 24 hour time period, passed by a person who is traveling. Travelers' diarrhea is commonly accompanied by abdominal cramps, nausea, and bloating. Travelers' diarrh...