How can dysentery be transmitted




















Diarrhea from Shigella is also known as shigellosis. Shigellosis is the most common type of dysentery, with about , cases diagnosed in the United States each year. Amebic dysentery is caused by a single-celled parasite that infects the intestines. Amebic dysentery is less common in the developed world. Shigellosis and amebic dysentery typically result from poor sanitation. Children are most at risk of shigellosis, but anyone can get it at any age. Shigellosis mostly spreads among people who are in close contact with an infected person, such as people:.

Amebic dysentery is primarily spread by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water in tropical areas that have poor sanitation. If you or your child has symptoms of dysentery, see your doctor. If left untreated, dysentery can lead to severe dehydration and become life-threatening.

At your appointment, your doctor will review your symptoms and any recent travels. You should note any travels outside of the country. This information can help your doctor narrow down the possible cause of your symptoms. Many conditions can cause diarrhea. This includes a blood test and a lab test of a stool sample. Mild shigellosis is usually treated just with rest and plenty of fluids. Over-the-counter medication, such as bismuth subsalicylate Pepto-Bismol , can help relieve cramps and diarrhea.

You should avoid drugs that slow down the intestines, such as loperamide Imodium or atropine-diphenoxylate Lomotil , which can make the condition worse. Severe shigellosis can be treated with antibiotics, but the bacteria that causes it are often resistant.

Your strain of Shigella bacteria may be resistant, and your doctor may need to adjust your treatment plan. Amebic dysentery is treated with metronidazole Flagyl or tinidazole Tindamax.

These drugs kill the parasites. In some cases, a follow-up drug is given to make sure all the parasites are gone. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend an intravenous IV drip to replace fluids and prevent dehydration.

If amoeba tunnel through the intestinal wall, they can spread into the bloodstream and infect other organs. The amoebae may continue living within the human host after symptoms have gone. Poor hygiene is the main source. Shigellosis can also spread because of tainted food. In Western Europe and the U. The amoebae group together to form a cyst , and these cysts emerge from the body in human feces. In areas of poor sanitation, the amoebae can contaminate food and water and infect other humans, as they can survive for long periods outside the body.

Good hygiene practice reduces the risk of spreading infection. The doctor will ask the patient about their signs and symptoms and carry out a physical examination. A stool sample may be requested, especially if the patient has recently returned from the tropics.

If symptoms are severe, diagnostic imaging may be recommended. This could be an ultrasound scan or an endoscopy. Complications of dysentery are few, but they can be severe. Dehydration : Frequent diarrhea and vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration. In infants and young children, this can quickly become life-threatening. Liver abscess : If amoebae spread to the liver, an abscess can form there. Hemolytic uremic syndrome : Shigella dysenteriae can cause the red blood cells to block the entrance to the kidneys, leading to anemia , low platelet count, and kidney failure.

To reduce the risk of infection, people should wash their hands regularly with soap and water, especially before and after using the bathroom and preparing food. This can reduce the frequency of Shigella infections and other types of diarrhea by up to 35 percent.

It is best to use purified water to clean the teeth, and avoid ice cubes, as the source of the water may be unknown. Food poisoning is common and preventable but what is it and what causes it? Learn about how long food poisoning may last and ways to prevent it.

Diarrhea, which refers to unusually loose or watery stools, is a common problem with many potential causes. Several treatments can help.

Learn more…. It is usually 2 - 4 weeks. Skip to content. Amoebic Dysentery. Amoebic Dysentery 22 July



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