Acute diarrheal disease, which is associated with ∼1.7 million deaths per year, is the second most common infectious cause of death worldwide among children <5 years old (after lower respiratory tract infection). The wide range of clinical manifestations is matched by the wide variety of infectious agents involved (Table 85-1 Gastrointestinal Pathogens Causing Acute Diarrhea ). An approach to pts with infectious diarrhea is presented in Fig. 85-1. Clinical Algorithm for the Approach to Pts with Community-Acquired Infectious Diarrhea or Bacterial Food Poisoning.