Maria is a 28-year-old woman who presents to the clinic with a two-week history of frequent, watery stools, abdominal cramping, and occasional nausea. She recently returned from a trip to a tropical country where she consumed local street food and drank untreated water. Maria reports that she did not experience any fever, but her symptoms have persisted despite taking over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication. To investigate the cause of Maria's diarrhea, her doctor orders stool tests, including a stool culture, stool ova and parasites examination, and tests for Clostridium difficile toxin. The results are as follows: Stool Culture: Positive for Escherichia coli (E. coli) Stool Ova and Parasites Examination: Negative Clostridium difficile Toxin Test: Negative
Questions:
(a) Based on Maria's travel history and stool test results, what is the most likely cause of her diarrhea?
(b) Describe the different types of diarrhea (osmotic, secretory, inflammatory, and motility-related) and identify which type Maria is most likely experiencing.
(c) Explain the pathophysiological mechanism by which E. coli can cause diarrhea.
(d) What are the potential complications of prolonged diarrhea if not properly treated?
(e) What treatment options are available for Maria to manage her diarrhea, and what steps can she take to prevent similar episodes in the future?