Dysentery remains one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases affecting children and adults, particularly in tropical and developing regions. It is characterized by inflammation of the intestines leading to severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and dehydration. While the condition can range from mild to severe, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent complications.

Two major types of dysentery exist:

• Amoebic Dysentery – caused by a parasite (Entamoeba histolytica)

• Bacillary Dysentery – caused by bacteria (mainly Shigella species)

Although both share some overlapping symptoms, their causes, transmission, severity, and treatment methods differ significantly. In this comprehensive guide, we explore everything you need to know about amoebic and bacillary dysentery—from causes and risk factors to symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

What Is Dysentery?

Dysenteries are infectious conditions caused by parasites or bacteria, leading to inflammation of the intestines, especially the colon. This inflammation affects the body’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, resulting in frequent loose stools often mixed with blood or mucus.

The two main types include:

1. Amoebic Dysentery (Amebiasis)

Caused by Entamoeba histolytica, a parasitic protozoan found in contaminated food and water. It commonly affects the colon and sometimes spreads to the liver, causing amoebic liver abscesses.

2. Bacillary Dysentery

Caused by Shigella bacteria (Shigella flexneri, S. dysenteriae, S. sonnei). It spreads easily from person to person and is more severe in children.

Causes and Transmission

Amoebic Dysentery – Causes

Amoebic dysentery occurs when a person ingests cysts of Entamoeba histolytica through contaminated:

• Food

• Water

• Hands

• Unhygienic environments

• Unwashed vegetables and fruits

The parasite invades the intestinal lining, causing ulcers and inflammation.

Risk factors include:

• Poor sanitation

• Unsafe drinking water

• Living or traveling in tropical regions

• Crowded living spaces

Bacillary Dysentery – Causes

Bacillary dysentery results from infection by Shigella bacteria, which can survive in small amounts of contaminated material.

Transmission occurs via:

• Person-to-person contact

• Contaminated food and water

• Poor hand hygiene

• Flies transmitting bacteria to food

• Eating food handled by infected individuals

Risk is higher in:

• Children under 5

• Elderly individuals

• Immunocompromised patients

Symptoms of Amoebic and Bacillary Dysentery

A. Symptoms of Amoebic Dysentery

Amoebic dysentery often develops gradually over several days.

Common symptoms include:

• High fever

• Diarrhea (may be watery or contain mucus)

• Nausea and vomiting

• Weight loss

• Fatigue

• Abdominal cramps

• Loss of appetite

In severe cases, complications like liver abscess may occur.

B. Symptoms of Bacillary Dysentery

Bacillary dysentery usually starts suddenly and is more intense than amoebiasis.

Symptoms include:

• Frequent diarrhea containing blood or mucus

• High fever

• Severe abdominal cramps

• Nausea and vomiting

• Urgency to pass stool (tenesmus)

• Dehydration

Bacillary dysentery may lead to life-threatening complications if untreated.

Differences Between Amoebic and Bacillary Dysentery

How does Dysentery affect the Body

Both forms of dysentery cause:

• Dehydration

• Loss of electrolytes

• Intestinal inflammation

• Nutrient malabsorption

If not managed promptly, this can lead to:

• Shock

• Kidney injury

• Seizures (due to fluid imbalance)

• Severe weight loss

Diagnosis of Amoebic and Bacillary Dysentery

Accurate diagnosis is essential because treatment varies.

Common diagnostic methods include:

• Stool microscopy – Detects parasites, cysts, or bacteria

• Stool culture – Confirms bacterial infection

• Antigen tests – Identifies Entamoeba histolytica

• PCR tests – Detects specific infectious agents

• Blood tests – Evaluate dehydration and infection

• Ultrasound/CT scan – For suspected amoebic liver abscess

Sparsh Diagnostic Centre provide stool analysis and advanced tests for quick and accurate identification.

Treatment for Amoebic and Bacillary Dysentery

1. Treatment for Amoebic Dysentery

• Metronidazole or Tinidazole – Kills parasites

• Paromomycin – Eliminates cysts from intestines

• Rehydration therapy – Oral rehydration salts

• Pain relief medication (if needed)

Patients with liver abscess may require prolonged medication.

2. Treatment for Bacillary Dysentery

• Antibiotics (depending on culture):

  • Ciprofloxacin

  • Azithromycin

  • Ceftriaxone

• Oral or IV fluids

• Pain and fever management

Severe cases may require hospitalization.

Home Remedies and Supportive Care

While medical treatment is essential, supportive care helps speed recovery.

Recommended supportive measures:

• Drink ORS regularly

• Eat light foods such as khichdi, bananas, rice, toast

• Avoid milk, spicy foods, fried items

• Rest well

• Maintain hydration with coconut water or glucose water

Complications of untreated Dysentery

If not treated on time, dysentery may lead to:

Amoebic Dysentery Complications

• Liver abscess

• Perforation of the intestine

• Chronic digestive issues

Bacillary Dysentery Complications

• Severe dehydration

• Seizures in children

• Hemolytic uremic syndrome (rare)

• Toxic megacolon

Early diagnosis and timely treatment significantly reduce these risks.

Prevention of Amoebic and Bacillary Dysentery

Dysentery is largely preventable with basic hygiene and sanitation.

Preventive steps:

• Wash hands frequently

• Drink only purified or boiled water

• Avoid street food

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly

• Maintain kitchen hygiene

• Avoid raw or undercooked foods

• Use clean toilets

• Educate children on hygiene practices

Public health awareness and proper sanitation can minimize outbreaks effectively.

When to See a Doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice:

• Blood in stool

• Persistent vomiting

• High fever

• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, low urine output)

• Severe abdominal cramps

• Symptoms lasting more than 48 hours

Amoebic and Bacillary Dysentery in Children

Children are more vulnerable to dehydration and complications. Parents must monitor:

• Frequency of stools

• Hydration levels

• Fever

• Appetite

Prompt diagnosis and medical care are essential to prevent complications.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Early testing helps:

• Identify the exact cause

• Select the correct medication

• Prevent spread to others

• Avoid hospitalisation

Diagnostic centres like Sparsh Diagnostic Centre offer reliable stool tests and immediate reporting to help initiate timely treatment.

FAQs on Amoebic and Bacillary Dysentery

1. Is dysentery contagious?

Yes. Bacillary dysentery (Shigella) is highly contagious, while amoebic dysentery spreads through contaminated food and water.

2. Can dysentery be cured completely?

Yes. With proper treatment and hygiene practices, both types can be fully cured.

3. How long does dysentery last?

Amoebic dysentery: 1–3 weeks
Bacillary dysentery: 5–7 days

4. Is it safe to take antibiotics for dysentery?

Only take antibiotics after a confirmed diagnosis. Wrong antibiotics may worsen symptoms.

5. What foods should I avoid during dysentery?

Avoid:

• Milk and dairy

• Fried foods

• Spicy foods

• Raw vegetables

• Caffeinated drinks

6. Can dysentery lead to dehydration?

Yes. Dysentery causes rapid fluid loss, which may become life-threatening, especially in children and elderly.

7. Can probiotics help?

Yes, probiotics may help restore gut flora, but they should be used along with prescribed medications.

#BhaloTheko

Disclaimer:
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.