Dysentery

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Description

Intestinal disorders caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, ameobas or viruses spread through contaminated food and water resulting in diarrhoea containing pus and blood. There are two main types: amoebic and bacillary dysentery. Bacillary dysentery occurs due to infection by Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter and E coli. Shigella is responsible for approximately 50% of cases while amoebic dysentery is caused by the parasite Entamoeaba Histolytica.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Abdominal pain and cramps
  • Fever
  • Tenesmus
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Bloody diarrhoea

Investigations

  • Stool microscopy and culture
  • FBC/DC
  • Serum Electrolytes

Treatment

Supportive

  • Supportive care with adequate rehydration and pain control
  • Adequate nutrition
  • Zinc supplementation 

Pharmacological

  • Bacillary dysentery
    • Ciprofloxacin 5mg/kg/day for 7-10 days. Maximum dose 500mg per dose.
    • Ceftriaxone 50mg/kg/day for 7-10 days. Maximum dose 2g
  • Amoebic dysentery
    • Metronidazole 7.5mg/kg/day Orally 8 hourly for 5 days
    • Tinidazole 50mg/kg once daily for 3 Maximum dose 2g per day.