t
Dysentery has two kinds.One is caused by bacteria,while another is caused by ameba.Here, we are only concerned with the amebic form, also known as amebiasis or amebic dysentery.This is caused by the ameba,Entamoeba histolytica, an intestinal parasite of humans.
Like any other intestinal diseases, dysentery is transmitted via the oral-fecal route, through contaminated food or water supplies. The main source of transmission may be food handlers who are carriers of the disease.
In milder cases, diarrhea , constipation, abdominal tenderness or discomfort, loose or watery stools, and stomach cramping are experienced. The severe cases would be characterized by fever, chills, and stomach pain, bloody stools, and fever.These symptoms are due to the production of an enzyme by the ameba that destroys tissues in the large intestine, forming ulcers or lesions.In many cases, the infection is restricted to the intestinal tract, but in other cases, the amebas may form abscesses in the brain ,liver , lungs or heart which could be fatal.
As the amebas invade both the tissues and intestinal lumen, a combination of drugs would be needed.The antibiotic metronidazole or ementine or chloroquine together with diloxanide or iodoquinal will be effective in destroying the amebas in both tissues or intestinal lumen.
When travelling in endemic area, drink only bottled water. Food should be cooked thoroughly to kill parasites, bacteria, or viruses that may be presentt raw vegetables should first be washed with a strong detergent soap and then soaked in vinegar for 10-15 minutes to kill any ameba that may be present. Peeled or cut fruits should not be eaten. Drink only pasteurized milk or dairy products. Dysentery can be prevented through proper sanitation and clean drinking water.
Dysentery is derived from the Greek words "dys" meaning "bad" and "enteria" meaning "intestine," literally translated as "bad intestine."It refers to any diarrhea with bloody stools.
