Dysentery

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Dysentery
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, tenesmus
Complications	Dehydration, sepsis, hemolytic uremic syndrome
Onset	1–3 days after exposure
Duration	Typically 3–7 days
Types	N/A
Causes	Bacterial (Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter), amoebic (Entamoeba histolytica)
Risks	Poor sanitation, contaminated food or water
Diagnosis	Stool culture, microscopy
Differential diagnosis	Inflammatory bowel disease, gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome
Prevention	Improved sanitation, hand washing, safe food and water
Treatment	Oral rehydration therapy, antibiotics for bacterial causes, antiparasitic for amoebic causes
Medication	Ciprofloxacin, metronidazole
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Common in developing countries
Deaths	N/A

Dysentery is a severe intestinal infection, causing abdominal pain and diarrhea with blood or mucus. The intestinal infection "'dysentery"' is marked by stomach pain, diarrhea with blood or mucus, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. It is often caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses and, if left untreated, can result in severe dehydration and problems.

Shigella stool

Dysentery Causes

The primary infectious agents that cause dysentery are bacterial and parasitic.

Bacterial dysentery

Dysentery, portion of the intestine Wellcome

The "'Shigella"' bacteria produce Bacterial dysentery, also known as "'bacillary dysentery"' or "'shigellosis"'. This kind of dysentery is more prevalent in developing nations with poor sanitation and congested living situations.

Dysentery due to parasites

Amoebic dysentery in colon biopsy

The single-celled parasite "Entamoeba histolytica" causes parasitic dysentery, sometimes known as "amoebic dysentery". In tropical and subtropical locations, where the parasite is widespread, this form of dysentery is more prevalent.

Indicators

Typically, the onset of dysentery symptoms occurs within one to three days after infection and can include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Diarrhea accompanied by blood and/or mucous
• Fever
• sickness and vomiting
• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• Weight reduction

Complications such as severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and organ damage can occur in extreme cases.

Diagnose

A thorough medical history and physical examination, together with laboratory tests to identify the causal agent, are required to diagnose dysentery. Collecting and analyzing stool samples for the presence of germs or parasites is possible. In addition to blood testing and imaging examinations, it may be necessary to determine the infection's severity and rule out other potential explanations of the symptoms.

Therapy

Dysentery is treated differently based on the origin and severity of the infection.

Bacterial dysentery

Antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, or ceftriaxone, are commonly used to target the specific "Shigella" species causing bacterial dysentery. In addition to antibiotics, replacement of fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhea requires rehydration therapy.

Dysentery due to parasites

Antiparasitic drugs, such as metronidazole or tinidazole, are used to eliminate the "Entamoeba histolytica" parasite that causes parasitic diarrhea. Similarly with bacterial dysentery, individuals with severe diarrhea require rehydration therapy.

Prophylaxis

Maintaining adequate hygiene and sanitation practices is essential for preventing dysentery, especially in locations where the infection is widespread. Important preventive measures consist of:

• Hand-washing with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and prior to food preparation and consumption.
• Consuming only safe, treated water and avoiding raw or uncooked food as well as food prepared with polluted water can prevent illness.
• Using suitable sanitary facilities, such as well-maintained latrines, and avoiding pooping in the open
• ensuring food is completely cooked and safely stored
• Vaccination is recommended for tourists traveling high-risk locations (if applicable)

Also see

• Shigellosis
• Entamoeba histolytica
• Dehydration
• Diseases transmitted via water

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