Final answer:
Gastroenteritis is an infection of the gastrointestinal tract that causes symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It is caused by various pathogens and is a common illness globally.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gastroenteritis is an acute and usually self-limiting infection of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by pathogens. It is commonly known as infectious diarrhea. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, lack of energy, and dehydration. It is caused by various pathogens including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and helminthes. Gastroenteritis is a common illness worldwide, with up to five billion cases occurring each year.