Bacillary dysentery

Definition

Bacillary dysentery is a severe form of diarrhea caused by Shigella bacteria, characterized by the presence of blood and mucus in stools. It often results from poor hygiene and contaminated food or water.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The primary causative agent of bacillary dysentery is the Shigella species, specifically Shigella dysenteriae.
2. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, and frequent passage of small amounts of bloody stool.
3. Transmission occurs through the fecal-oral route, commonly through contaminated food or water.
4. Shigella bacteria produce shiga toxin, which damages the intestinal lining leading to inflammation and ulceration.
5. Treatment usually involves rehydration therapy and antibiotics; however, antibiotic resistance is an emerging concern.

Related terms

Shigellosis: An infection caused by Shigella bacteria that leads to diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Fecal-oral transmission: A route of disease transmission where pathogens in fecal particles pass from one person to another through the mouth.

Dysentery:

An infection causing severe diarrhea with blood and mucus in stools, which can be either bacterial or amoebic in origin.