What is a common infectious cause of bloody diarrhea?

A common infectious cause of bloody diarrhea is E. coli O157. This strain of E. coli is a type of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) that can lead to severe gastrointestinal illness. It is often associated with the consumption of undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk, or contaminated fruits and vegetables. Infection with this bacteria can cause symptoms that include severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. The severity of the symptoms is due to the potent toxins produced by the bacteria, which can damage the intestinal lining and cause inflammation, leading to bleeding.

While Clostridium difficile can cause antibiotic-associated diarrhea, it typically presents with watery diarrhea rather than bloody stools. Salmonella is often linked to gastrointestinal upset and can sometimes cause diarrhea with blood, but it is less commonly associated with it compared to E. coli O157. Norovirus is known for causing outbreaks of gastroenteritis, which predominantly results in vomiting and watery diarrhea, without typically leading to bloody stools.