From the Guidelines
Dysentery is defined as the passage of stools that contain gross blood admixed with stool, often accompanied by severe constitutional symptoms including fever. This definition is based on the most recent guidelines for the prevention and treatment of travelers' diarrhea, which recommend a functional impact approach to defining severity rather than traditional frequency-based algorithms 1. The presence of gross blood in the stool is a key distinguishing feature of dysentery, and it is essential to differentiate it from other conditions such as bleeding hemorrhoids, which may present with streaks of blood on the toilet paper but normal-appearing stools in the commode.
Key Characteristics of Dysentery
- Passage of stools with gross blood admixed with stool
- Often accompanied by severe constitutional symptoms, including fever
- May be distinguished from other diarrheal illnesses by the presence of visible blood and mucus in stool samples
- Requires a thorough medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause, which may be bacterial or parasitic in nature
Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis of dysentery is crucial to guide appropriate treatment and prevent complications. The definition of dysentery should be discussed with travelers before they embark on their journey, so they understand when to seek medical attention and what symptoms to look out for 1. Healthcare providers should also emphasize the importance of symptomatology associated with fever and how it may alter the assessment of disease, as most travelers may not have access to a thermometer to take their temperatures.
From the Research
Definition of Dysentery
- Dysentery is characterized by the passage of frequent loose stools mixed with blood and mucous 2
- It is caused by various bacterial enteric pathogens, including Shigella, enteroinvasive Escherichia coli, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Salmonella 3
- Amoebic dysentery is a type of dysentery caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica 4
- Dysentery can be divided into three principal clinical presentations: acute watery diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and persistent diarrhea with or without intestinal malabsorption 5
Clinical Presentation
- Bloody diarrhea (dysentery) is one of the principal clinical presentations of infectious diarrhea 5
- Dysentery is often associated with symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, and dehydration 2, 5
- The clinical presentation of dysentery can vary depending on the causative agent and the severity of the infection 5