Infectious colitis and ulcerative colitis both cause colon inflammation and similar symptoms. Infectious colitis is caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection, while ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition.

Infectious colitis and ulcerative colitis have similar symptoms. It’s important to speak with a doctor if you develop diarrhea, abdominal pain, or blood in your stool, especially if these persist.

Although both conditions cause inflammation in the colon, they have different causes.

Keep reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between infectious colitis and ulcerative colitis. We look at the causes, symptoms, and risk factors, among other considerations.

Infectious colitis refers to colon or intestinal inflammation that results from an infection, includingTrusted Source:

Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, is the most commonTrusted Source form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and causes inflammation and bleeding.

Researchers do not know the exact cause of ulcerative colitis. However, they believe it could be an autoimmune condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.

Ulcerative colitis has also been associatedTrusted Source with:

  • genetics
  • gut microbiome changes
  • environmental factors

The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis can include:

You may also experience extra-intestinal symptoms if your condition is severe or you experience periods when symptoms worsen or reappear, known as flare-ups.

Some of these symptoms may include:

Remission may also occur, which are periods when symptoms disappear for weeks or years.

If you have infectious colitis, your symptoms may be similarTrusted Source to those of ulcerative colitis, including:

  • rectal pain
  • tenesmus
  • diarrhea

If you experience any of these symptoms or diarrhea that lasts for more than 4 weeks, speak with a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your symptoms to provide a proper diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Infectious colitis is causedTrusted Source by bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections.

However, the following risk factors may increase your risk of developing infectious colitis and certain infections:

Ulcerative colitis is not an infection, so you cannot get it if you come into contact with someone with the condition.

However, you may have an increased chance of developing ulcerative colitis if your parents or siblings already have it. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, up to 1 in 10 people with UC have a family member who also has the condition.

Stress may also worsen IBD symptoms or increase your chance of experiencing a flare-up.

A healthcare professional will first ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination. This may include pressing on your abdomen to check for inflammation.

They will then perform several tests to provide a diagnosis of infectious colitis or ulcerative colitis.

Infectious colitis

A doctor may performTrusted Source the following tests:

  • Stool test: This test checks whether there are bacteria present in your stool.
  • Abdominal CT scan: This scan may be used to diagnose bacterial colitis if you have an empty colon or no enlarged lymph nodes.
  • Pelvic CT scan: This scan may show whether you have a thickened colonic wall.
  • Colonoscopy: This procedure is used to check for colonic ulcerations.

Ulcerative colitis

For ulcerative colitis, blood and stool tests are also common.

A doctor may also recommend other tests, including:

  • colonoscopy
  • chromoendoscopy, which checks whether you have polyps or precancerous cells.
  • biopsy, which involves removing a small tissue sample from your intestine so that it can be tested in a laboratory

A doctor may use a contrast chemical that you take orally or intravenously to help provide a detailed image of your digestive organs.

Infectious colitis treatment usually dependsTrusted Source on your symptoms and underlying cause.

For example, antibiotics like vancomycin or fidaxomicin (Dificid) may be prescribed if you have a mild to moderate C. diff infection.

If the infection is serious, a doctor may prescribe oral vancomycin and add intravenous metronidazole if complications arise.

Treatment for ulcerative colitis will also depend on the severity of your symptoms.

However, since ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, your treatment plan will aim to reduce inflammation to also help decrease the frequency of symptoms and maintain remission.

Treatment for ulcerative colitis may include a combination of:

How serious is infectious colitis?

The severity of your symptoms will dependTrusted Source on the underlying infection, such as the type of bacteria, virus, or parasite. Mild to moderate infections may not require any treatment, while severe infections may require immediate medical attention in the hospital.

How do you get rid of infectious colitis?

Treatment for infectious colitis depends on the severity of your symptoms, the underlying cause, and whether you have certain health conditions.

Most bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, but other types of infections may require other medications.

What is the difference between ulcerative colitis and infectious colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon. It’s a chronic condition that may require lifelong treatment to manage symptoms.

Infectious colitis also causes colon inflammation, but it’s caused by a bacterial or viral infection and typically isn’t chronic.

Can infectious colitis cause sepsis?

In rare cases, infectious colitis caused by the bacteria Shigella may causeTrusted Source sepsis.

Infectious colitis and ulcerative colitis are both conditions that cause diarrhea, tenesmus, and blood in the stool.

You may have a higher chance of developing infectious colitis if you get a bacterial or viral infection. It can also affect people with STIs.

Ulcerative colitis is more likely to develop if you have a family history of the condition.

Visit our dedicated IBD hub for more resources on ulcerative colitis.