Dysentery is an intestinal infection that causes severe diarrhea with blood and mucus. It can be caused by different pathogens, primarily bacteria (bacillary dysentery) or amoebas (amoebic dysentery).
2. Definition
Dysentery is a type of gastrointestinal infection that results in
severe diarrhea with the presence of blood and mucus in the
feces. It is primarily caused by bacterial or protozoan
infections and can lead to serious dehydration and other
complications if left untreated.
3. Types
There are two main types of dysentery:
Bacillary Dysentery: Caused by bacteria, primarily Shigella
species, and sometimes by Salmonella or Campylobacter.
Amoebic Dysentery: Caused by the protozoan Entamoeba
histolytica.
4. Causes
Bacterial Dysentery:
Shigellosis: Infection with Shigella bacteria. Common in areas with
poor sanitation.
Salmonellosis: Infection with Salmonella species, often associated
with contaminated food or water.
Campylobacteriosis: Infection with Campylobacter jejuni,
commonly from undercooked poultry.
5. Continue
Amoebic Dysentery:
Caused by Entamoeba histolytica, typically through in contaminated
food or water.
6. Transmission
Fecal-oral route: Contaminated food or water.
Person-to-person contact: Particularly in environments with
poor hygiene.
Contact with infected animals or their environments:
Primarily for bacterial dysentery
7. Risk Factors
Poor sanitation and hygiene
Crowded living conditions
Contaminated food or water
Travel to or living in areas with high prevalence of dysentery
Immunocompromised individuals (e.g., HIV/AIDS,
chemotherapy patients)
8. Symptoms
Severe diarrhea with blood and mucus
Abdominal pain and cramping
Fever and chills
Nausea and vomiting
Tenesmus (a feeling of incomplete defecation)
Fatigue and weakness
Dehydration, which can lead to dry mouth, decreased urine output, and dizziness
9. Diagnosis
Stool examination: To detect blood, mucus, and the presence of
pathogens (bacteria, amoebic cysts, or trophozoites).
Stool culture: To identify specific bacterial pathogens.
Antigen detection tests: For Entamoeba histolytica.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): To detect genetic material of
pathogens.
Serology: Blood tests to identify antibodies against Entamoeba
histolytica.
10. Treatment
Bacterial Dysentery:
Antibiotics: Such as ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, or ceftriaxone,
depending on the specific bacterial cause.
Rehydration therapy: Oral rehydration salts (ORS) or intravenous
fluids to prevent dehydration.
11. Continue
Amoebic Dysentery:
Antiprotozoal medications: Such as metronidazole or tinidazole,
followed by a luminal agent like paromomycin to eradicate cysts.
Rehydration therapy: Similar to bacterial dysentery.
12. Complications
Severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) with Shigella infections,
leading to kidney failure
Chronic colitis in amoebic dysentery
Secondary bacterial infections
Perforation of the colon (rare but serious)
13. Prevention
Improving sanitation: Proper disposal of human waste, safe water
supply.
Hand hygiene: Regular hand washing with soap and water.
Food safety: Thorough cooking of food, avoiding raw or undercooked
foods, especially in endemic areas.
Safe drinking water: Using boiled or properly filtered and treated water.
Vaccination: Ongoing research, but currently no widely available
vaccines for dysentery-causing pathogens.