dysentery

an INFECTION and ulceration of the lower part of the bowels that causes severe diarrhoea with the passage of mucus and blood. There are two forms of dysentery caused by different organisms. Amoebic dysentery is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, which is spread via infected food or water and occurs mainly in the tropics and subtropics. The appearance of symptoms may be delayed, but in addition to diarrhoea there is indigestion, anaemia and weight loss. Drugs are used in treatment. Bacillary dysentery is caused by the bacterium Shigella and spreads by contact with a carrier or contaminated food. Symptoms appear from one to six days after infection and include diarrhoea, cramp, nausea and fever. The severity of the attack varies.