BACILLARY DYSENTERY

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of bacillary dysentery usually appear one to three days after exposure to the bacteria and may include:

• Severe diarrhea, often containing blood or mucus.
• Abdominal cramps and pain.
• Fever and chills.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Urgent need to defecate (tenesmus).
• Dehydration, especially in severe cases or in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing bacillary dysentery typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and stool culture. Key diagnostic steps may include:

• Review of symptoms and medical history, including recent travel or exposure to contaminated food or water.
• Physical examination to assess vital signs, hydration status, and abdominal tenderness.
• Stool sample analysis to detect the presence of Shigella bacteria, blood, or inflammatory markers.
• Culture of stool samples to identify the specific species of Shigella and determine antibiotic susceptibility, which guides treatment decisions.

TREATMENT

Treatment of bacillary dysentery aims to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and eradicate the bacterial infection. Treatment strategies may include:

• Antibiotic therapy: Empirical treatment with antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones, azithromycin, or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole is often recommended to shorten the duration of illness and reduce transmission. However, antibiotic resistance is a growing concern, and treatment should be guided by local resistance patterns and susceptibility testing whenever possible.
• Fluid and electrolyte replacement: Oral rehydration solutions or intravenous fluids may be necessary to prevent or treat dehydration, especially in cases of severe diarrhea and vomiting.
• Symptomatic relief: Over-the-counter medications such as anti-diarrheals or antipyretics may help alleviate symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. However, these medications should be used with caution, especially in certain populations such as young children or individuals with certain medical conditions.