Dysentery

Dysentery is diarrhoea associated with blood and mucus caused by infection of the colon by one of a number of agents. These include campylobacter, shigella and entamoeba species. Campylobacter is common, is contracted by ingesting infected food or milk, and causes disease by invading the mucosa of the colon. Cases may be mild and require no treatment other than fluid replacement, or (rarely) severe and cause complications such as toxic megacolon. Shigella species cause symptoms by secreting a toxin that affects the mucosa and the vessels. Amoeba are parasites that form cysts in the wall of the colon and maybe asymptomatic in a chronic carrier, but they can cause severe disease and may be complicated by the formation of liver abscesses (see the liver in this section). Each of the causes of dysentery can be treated. Improved sanitation and hygiene can be preventative.
 
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