Dysentery, bacillary

Dysentery, bacillary 

Bacillary dysentery is a gastrointestinal disease. Bacillary means related to bacteria, and dysentery is severe diarrhea containing blood or mucus.

With bacillary dysentery, a bacterial infection becomes more invasive and severe, causing inflammation in the intestines. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.

Bacterial infections that lead to bacillary dysentery are very contagious, so it’s essential to practice good hygiene.

Cause

Bacillary dysentery is an intestinal infection caused by a group of Shigella bacteria which can be found in the human gut.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Diarrhea, which may be bloody
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration, which can lead to complications such as kidney failure and shock

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of bacillary dysentery is made based on the symptoms and a laboratory test of the stool. The doctor may also order a blood test to check for an infection.

• A sample of stool is taken to look for the presence of Shigella bacteria.
• Blood tests may also be ordered to check for signs of infection and to assess your overall health.
• If necessary, the doctor may perform a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to examine the colon for signs of inflammation and damage.