Topic: Dysentery
Question: Describe the differences between bacillary and amoebic dysentery.
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The key differences between bacillary and amoebic dysentery are:
Bacillary Dysentery
– Caused by bacterial infection, usually Shigella species.
– Spreads by fecal-oral route, contaminated food/water.
– Sudden onset of abdominal cramps, fever, and bloody diarrhea with mucus.
– Stools contain blood, pus, mucus but no parasites.
– Can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
– Diagnosis is by stool culture and microscopy to identify Shigella bacteria.
Amoebic Dysentery
– Caused by Entamoeba histolytica parasite.
– Ingested from contaminated food/water.
– Gradual onset of abdominal pain, diarrhea with blood and mucus.
– Trophozoites or cysts may be seen in stool specimens.
– Can spread to other tissues like liver, brain.
– Diagnosis involves stool microscopy and antigen tests for E. histolytica.
– Serology tests detect antibodies against the parasite.
– Colonoscopy shows inflamed colon with ulcers.
So in summary, key differences are the infectious agent, presentation, organisms seen in stool, and diagnostic methods used. Culture identifies Shigella in bacillary dysentery while microscopy and antigen testing diagnose amoebic dysentery.
