Young Man Recovers Fully from Severe Infectious Gastroenteritis After Targeted Treatment

A 25-year-old male with no prior medical history was admitted to the hospital after experiencing a sudden onset of severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The condition, later diagnosed as infectious gastroenteritis, presented with high fever, persistent vomiting, and frequent diarrhea, requiring immediate medical attention.

Initial Presentation and Diagnosis

Upon arrival, the patient exhibited signs of acute illness including high fever (40.5°C), nausea, repeated vomiting (approximately 50–150g per episode), and excessive yellow mucus diarrhea—up to 20 times a day. He also experienced fatigue, chills, loss of appetite, and tenesmus. Vital signs showed a blood pressure of 100/65 mmHg and a heart rate of 118 bpm. Blood tests revealed elevated white blood cell count (13.84×10⁹/L), neutrophil percentage (95.9%), and C-reactive protein (28.57 mg/L). Based on his recent travel, poor dietary habits, and weakened immunity, he was preliminarily diagnosed with infectious gastroenteritis.

Treatment Approach and Adjustments

The patient was immediately started on intravenous levofloxacin for empirical antibiotic coverage, along with fluids containing glucose, potassium chloride, and vitamin C to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Additional medications included ibuprofen for fever reduction and smectite powder to manage diarrhea. Further testing confirmed the presence of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli in blood cultures. As a result, his treatment plan was upgraded to include meropenem, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, while continuing supportive care.

By the second day, vomiting and diarrhea had improved, but the fever remained high at around 40°C. By day three, after switching antibiotics, his condition began to stabilize significantly.

Recovery and Follow-Up

After ten days of comprehensive treatment—including anti-infective therapy, hydration, and nutritional support—the patient's temperature normalized. His appetite and energy levels returned to baseline, and gastrointestinal symptoms were completely resolved. Follow-up lab work showed normal levels of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6. Stool analysis revealed no red or white blood cells, indicating full recovery. One month post-discharge, the patient remained symptom-free during outpatient follow-up.

Lifestyle and Preventive Measures Post-Recovery

To prevent recurrence, it is crucial to maintain good health practices:

- Ensure adequate rest and avoid overexertion; adopt a regular sleep schedule and engage in moderate physical activity.
- Prioritize food hygiene; avoid raw, cold, spicy, or hard-to-digest foods.
- Practice proper handwashing, especially before meals and after using the restroom.
- Keep personal and environmental surroundings clean to minimize infection risks.
- Seek timely medical care if symptoms reappear.

Insights on Infectious Gastroenteritis

Infectious gastroenteritis can range from mild to life-threatening. While most cases respond well to standard treatments, severe infections may lead to complications such as sepsis or shock. Early diagnosis and targeted therapy are essential for a favorable outcome. This case highlights that with prompt intervention and adherence to medical advice, even serious cases can result in complete recovery. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and being mindful of food safety remain key preventive strategies.