Question

multiple choice question
which of the following infections is characterized by watery diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain?
∘ human immunodeficiency virus
∘ clostridium difficile
∘ influenza
∘ methicillin - resistant staphylococcus aureus

Explanation:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) primarily affects the immune system, with symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and opportunistic infections, not typical watery diarrhea and abdominal pain as primary symptoms.
• Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection is known to cause watery diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain, often associated with antibiotic use or disrupted gut flora.
• Influenza (flu) mainly presents with respiratory symptoms like cough, sore throat, body aches, and fever, not gastrointestinal symptoms as the primary characteristic.
• Methicillin - resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) typically causes skin infections, bloodstream infections, or other localized infections, not the described gastrointestinal symptoms.

Answer:

B. Clostridium difficile