Knowra Dysentery Dysentery Dysentery is an intestinal infection marked by diarrhea, often with blood or mucus, abdominal cramps, and sometimes fever. It is commonly caused by Shigella bacteria or Entamoeba histolytica parasites.
Shigellosis : An intestinal infection caused by Shigella bacteria, often producing fever, cramps, and bloody diarrhea. Shigella is a leading cause of dysentery and spreads readily between people.
Oral rehydration therapy : Treatment that replaces water and electrolytes with a drink containing carefully balanced salts and glucose. Replacing fluid losses is central to preventing complications from dysentery-related diarrhea.
Watery diarrhea : Frequent loose stools without visible blood, often caused by intestinal secretion or impaired absorption. Unlike dysentery, watery diarrhea generally lacks visible blood and may reflect different mechanisms.
Dehydration : A deficit of body water that can impair circulation and organ function when severe. Fluid loss from frequent stools can make dehydration the most immediate danger.
Amoebiasis : An infection by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, which can invade the intestinal lining and other organs. Its intestinal form can cause amoebic dysentery with ulcers and bloody diarrhea.
Stool culture : A laboratory test that grows microorganisms from a stool sample to identify infectious causes. Culture can identify bacterial causes such as Shigella and guide antibiotic choices.
Cholera : An acute intestinal infection caused by toxigenic Vibrio cholerae, often producing profuse watery diarrhea. Cholera is a major infectious diarrhea but typically causes watery rather than bloody stools.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome : A serious condition involving hemolytic anemia, low platelets, and acute kidney injury, sometimes following intestinal infection. Some Shiga toxin-producing infections that cause bloody diarrhea can lead to this complication.
Shigella : A genus of bacteria that causes shigellosis, usually through ingestion of a small number of organisms. These bacteria invade the colon lining and trigger inflammation associated with bacillary dysentery.
Stool microscopy : Microscopic examination of stool to detect cells, parasites, or other material. Microscopy may reveal blood cells or amoebic forms, but does not reliably identify every cause.
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