Dysentery is an inflammation of the intestines that causes bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and mucus in the stool. It is typically caused by either bacteria (bacillary dysentery) like Shigella species, which spreads through poor hygiene and contaminated food/water, or by the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica (amoebic dysentery), which is more common in tropical areas and spreads through ingestion of cysts. Symptoms include abdominal pain and bloating, bloody diarrhea, nausea, and in severe cases, fever, chills, and dehydration. Diagnosis involves examining a stool sample under a microscope to look for bacteria or parasites.

1. DYSENTERY
By Dr.M.A.Ansari Pharm.D

2. Introduction
• Dysentery is derived from the Greek words ‘dus’ meaning
bad and ‘entera’ meaning bowel.
• Dysentery is a clinical condition in which there is
inflammation of the intestines accompanied by bloody
diarrhoea with abdominal cramps, tenesmus and passage of
mucus in the stools.
Types of dysenetries-
• Based on etiology, there are 2 main forms of dysenteries—
1. bacillary
2. amoebic.
Tenesmus- rectal pain and a feeling that you need to have a bowel movement, even if
you already have had one.

3. BACILLARY DYSENTERY
• Bacillary dysentery is the term used for infection by Shigella
species: S. dysenteriae, S. flexneri, S. boydii and S. sonnei.
• Infection occurs by faeco-oral route and is seen with poor
personal hygiene, in densely populated areas, and with
contaminated food and water.
• The common housefly plays a role in spread of infection.

5. AMOEBIC DYSENTERY
• This is due to infection by Entamoeba histolytica.
• It is more prevalent in the tropical countries and primarily affects the
large intestine. Infection occurs from ingestion of cyst form of the
parasite.
• The cyst wall is dissolved in the small intestine from where the
liberated amoebae pass into the large intestine.
• Here, they invade the epithelium of the mucosa, reach the submucosa
and produce the characteristic flask-shaped ulcers

8. Clinical manifestations
• Dysentery causes irritation and inflammation of the intestines that
may result in a number of symptoms . The symptoms can vary in
intensity among individuals.
• The most common symptoms of dysentery are related to disturbances
of the digestive system and include:
Abdominal bloating
Abdominal pain
Bloody diarrhea
Flatulence
Nausea with or without vomiting

9. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF
DYSENTERY
• As the dysentery infection progresses possible symptoms include:
Decreased urine output
Dry skin and mucous membranes (such as dry mouth)
Feeling very thirsty
Fever and chills
Muscle cramps
Muscle weakness (loss of strength)
Weight loss

10. OTHER SYMPTOMS OF DYSENTERY
• On rare occasions, dehydration resulting from dysentery may be so
severe that a life-threatening situation can develop.
• The following symptoms: Change in level of consciousness or
alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Change in mental status or sudden behavior change, such as confusion,
delirium, lethargy, hallucinations and delusions
High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
Severe abdominal pain
Severe dizziness

11. Diagnosis
• If a doctor suspects dysentery, a stool sample usually will be required
for analysis. For bacterial infections such as shigella, the diagnosis is made
by culture of the stool. Unfortunately, such cultures are not available in
most developing countries and the diagnosis is made clinically on the basis
of symptoms.
• Amoebiasis is often diagnosed by finding parasites under a microscope. An
antibody blood test helps to confirm the diagnosis of amoebic dysentery or
liver abscess.
• Interesting fact-The E. histolytica has an identical "twin
brother," Entamoeba dispar, a harmless amoeba that looks identical to E.
histolytica under the microscope. It never produces symptoms and does not
require treatment. In developing countries, the distinction is not usually
made - individuals found to have amoebae in their stools are treated whether
or not it is clear that the infection is causing symptoms. Of those diagnosed
with amoebae in their stools, 90% have the harmless E. dispar.

12. ALL THE VERY BEST
TO MY DEAR
STUDENTS