Adequate fluid balance in humans depends on the secretion and

reabsorption of fluid and electrolytes in the intestinal tract; diarrhea occurs

when intestinal fluid output overwhelms the absorptive capacity of the
gastrointestinal tract.
The 2 primary mechanisms responsible for acute gastroenteritis are (1)
damage to the villous brush border of the intestine, causing malabsorption of
intestinal contents and leading to an osmotic diarrhea, and (2) the release of
toxins that bind to specific enterocyte receptors and cause the release of
chloride ions into the intestinal lumen, leading to secretory diarrhea.
Rotavirus
- Affects infants and young children who then spread infection to other
children and adults and spread orally.
Novavirus
- Affects any age and highly contagious spread through contaminated
surface, water, food, as well as the infected individuals.
Bacterial gastroenteritis
- Referred to as food poisoning, is the result of bacteria having caused
an infection in the stomach or intestines. Likely be acquired from
consuming food or water that has been contaminated with bacteria or
toxins they produce.
Parasitic gastroenteritis
- Can be transmitted by a foreign organism that has invaded the body. Be
acquired in food or water that has contaminated with feces from infected
animals or humans.