DefinitionBacterial gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by bacteria.Alternative NamesInfectious diarrhea - bacterial gastroenteritis; Acute gastroenteritis; Gastroenteritis - bacterialCauses, incidence, and risk factorsBacterial gastroenteritis can affect one person or a group of people who all ate the same contaminated food. It more commonly occurs after eating at picnics, school cafeterias, large social functions, or restaurants.The germs may get into the food you eat (called contamination) in different ways:Meat or poultry may come into contact with the normal bacteria from the intestines of an animal being processed.Water that is used during growing or shipping may contain manure or human waste.Food handling or preparation in grocery stores, restaurants