Dysentery Causes and Treatment: All You Need To Know!
Discover information about dysentery including its symptoms, causes, methods of treatment, ways of prevention, possible complications, and its major concern.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Dysentery is a serious intestinal disease characterised by diarrhoea containing blood and mucus and abdominal pain with or without fever. It can be bacterial, parasitic, or viral, although it is primarily due to Shigella and Entamoeba histolytica. This disease is a major concern to humanity, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. It is most common among children below five years of age in developing countries. Therefore, knowing the origins, manifestations, predisposing factors, diagnostic, curative, and preventive measures of dysentery helps better manage this condition.
Types of Dysentery
Dysentery is grouped depending on its cause and each one requires specific measure to deal with it. The types of dysentery are:
Bacillary Dysentery
Shigellosis or bacillary dysentery is an infectious disease that owes its name to Shigella bacteria. It is easily transmittable and spreads through food and water, sharing items with infected people. Symptoms of this disease include severe diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fever, and vomiting. Bacillary dysentery occurs in regions which do not have clean standards of hygiene and sanitation.
Amoebic Dysentery
The disease amoebic dysentery is caused by a parasite named Entamoeba histolytica. Contaminated food or water primarily spreads this disease. In contrast to bacillary dysentery, its manifestations can be less severe, though severe cases like liver abscesses may develop. This type of dysentery is found in tropical and subtropical zones worldwide.
Causes of Dysentery
Dysentery has multiple causes, including infectious agents and environmental factors. The primary causes of dysentery are:
Bacterial Infections
Shigella bacteria are the most common cause of bacillary dysentery. Other bacteria implicated in causing similar symptoms include Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Campylobacter. These infections are usually contracted by ingesting infected food or water.
Parasitic Infections
Amoebic dysentery is a disease caused by the parasite Entamoeba Histolytica. It is contracted by the consumption of cysts found in contaminated food, water, or hands.
Viral Infections
Although rare, other viruses, such as the rotavirus and norovirus, may be responsible for Dyssentery-like symptoms, particularly among children. They are transmitted through contaminated sources.
Risk Factors for Dysentery
Knowledge of the risk factors is useful in identifying the higher-risk groups and applying preventive measures properly. The risk factors are:
Environmental
Dysentery is highly associated with inadequate personal and community cleanliness, particularly water supply and hygiene in the homes. It is even worse in congested places like refugee camps or disaster areas, as access to hygiene resources is limited.
Age and Demographic
Severe forms of dysentery are more dangerous to young children, the elderly, and anyone with a compromised immune system. Tourists who are visiting areas with low standards of hygiene or areas with prevalent diseases are also vulnerable.
Dietary and Behavioural Practices
Ingestion of foods from the street, fruits that have not been washed, or undercooked meals also exposes one to infection. This risk increases if a person does not wash his or her hands before eating or after visiting the washroom.
Socioeconomic Factors
Members of poor households get access to inadequate sanitation facilities and clean water, as well as inadequate health facilities. It makes them more vulnerable to dysentery.
Climate and Seasonal Variations
The prevalence of dysentery may increase sharply during monsoon season because water sources are contaminated by poor drainage systems.
Symptoms of Dysentery
Some of the common symptoms of dysentery are:
Mild to severe diarrhoea, typically with blood or mucus in the stool
Abdominal pain and cramping
Fever and chills
Nausea and vomiting
On the other hand, in severe cases, particularly with amoebic dysentery, symptoms may include:
High fever and persistent abdominal tenderness
Weight loss and fatigue
Liver abscesses, which may cause upper right abdominal pain
Diagnosis of Dysentery
A proper diagnosis is critical in managing dysentery and selecting the most effective treatment. The first step in this process is visiting the doctor, where the professional examines the patient’s medical history and conducts a physical examination concentrating on signs like diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and fever. This medical exam helps doctors understand the early signs of dysentery and the severity of the condition.
After that, they suggest the patients to complete a few lab tests:
A stool culture is used to check the presence of Shigella bacteria or E. coli bacteria.
Microscopic examination to detect parasitic organisms such as Entamoeba histolytica.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests are used to identify the virus precisely.
Treatment Options for Dysentery
The treatment options for dysentery depend on the cause of the disease. Management of the situation is essential so that people can recover. The primary treatment options for dysentery are:
Antibiotic Treatment
For bacterial dysentery, antibiotics are given to treat bacteria like Shigella or E. coli Ciprofloxacin. Antibiotics like Azithromycin and ampicillin can be prescribed depending on the type of dysentery.
Anti-parasitic Treatment
If dysentery is caused by Entamoeba Histolytica (amoebic dysentery), the doctor will use anti-parasitic agents, including metronidazole or tinidazole, to eliminate the parasite and decrease signs.
Rehydration Therapy
Fluid and electrolyte replacement is the mainstay of dysentery management, especially in those with severe diarrhoea. For more serious cases, oral rehydration salts (ORS) may be taken, while intravenous fluids may be necessary.
Symptomatic Treatment
Symptoms like frequent stooling may be managed by anti-diarrheal agents like loperamide. However, they should be avoided in cases where there is bacterial or parasitic dysentery, as they will prolong the duration of the disease.
Hospitalisation and Supportive Care
In some instances, especially when dysentery has been complicated by factors such as severe diarrhoea, liver abscesses, or dehydration, one should be hospitalised for intensive care, including IV fluids and antibiotics.
Prevention of Dysentery
To prevent dysentery, there is a need to control the main risk factors. The primary preventive measures to reduce the spread of dysentery are:
Improved Sanitation and Hygiene
To avoid the spread of dysentery, it is essential to wash hands with soap and water and safely discharge human waste.
Safe Drinking Water
Drinking clean water is another preventive measure of dysentery. Individuals living in areas with poor water quality should purify their water by boiling or using water purifiers and then drinking it.
Food Safety Measures
Washing, cooking, and properly storing food can prevent contamination. Avoiding consuming raw or undercooked foods is also necessary.
Vaccination and Prophylactic Treatments
Vaccines for specific pathogens, such as Shigella or Vibrio cholerae, are under development. People who are about to visit regions with a high risk of this problem should receive prophylactic treatment.
Public Health Education
Educating people on the health measures they should take, such as washing hands, using safe drinking water, and practising proper food hygiene, can go a long way toward preventing the spread of dysentery in the community.
Complications of Untreated Dysentery
When untreated, dysentery can result in other serious complications. Below are some of the potential risks:
Dehydration and malnutrition
Irritable bowel syndrome
Chronic abdominal pain
Liver Abscesses
Sepsis and Systemic Infections
Long-term Gastrointestinal Disorders
Public Health and Dysentery
So, dysentery is a severe public health problem, particularly where facilities for sanitation and medical care are scarce. Measures to prevent and eliminate diseases such as dysentery include water treatment and purification, procuring quality and safe water sources, applicable sanitation measures, and developing access to treatment facilities. People’s awareness of infection control measures, together with the knowledge of early treatment and vaccination, are very helpful in controlling the transmission of such diseases.
Conclusion
To sum up, dysentery remains a significant public health challenge, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and preventive measures like hygiene, clean water, and vaccination can reduce its impact. Also, raising awareness and improving healthcare access are crucial steps in controlling its spread and ensuring better health outcomes for affected communities.
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