Difference Between Amoebic Dysentery And Bacillary Dysentery

Amoebic Dysentery

Amoebic dysentery also referred to as Amebiasis is an infectious disease caused by a protozoan parasite referred to as Entamoeba histolytica, which causes both intestinal and extraintestinal infections. Some of the risk factors for amebiasis include consuming contaminated food or water, association with food handlers, whose hands are contaminated, fertilizer made of human waste, being pregnant and contact with contaminated medical devices such as colonic irrigation devices.

Amebiasis occurs worldwide, however it is most common in tropical areas that have crowded living conditions and poor sanitation. Africa, Mexico, parts of South America and India have major prevalence of amebiasis.

Common Symptoms

Only about 10-20% of infected individuals show symptoms and signs. The symptoms and signs include:

Fatigue
Fever and chills
Weight loss
Flatulence
Intermittent constipation
Loose stool
Mild abdominal cramping
Frequent watery or bloody stools with severe abdominal cramping
Appetite loss

Bacillary Dysentery

Bacillary dysentery is an intestinal infection caused by a group of Shigella bacteria which can be found in the human gut. Bacillary dysentery is transmitted directly by physical contact with the faecal material of a patient or carrier including (during sexual contact) or indirectly through consumption of contaminated food and water.

Infection by Shigella may be asymptomatic or only cause mild illness. For patients who develop bacillary dysentery, symptoms may include:

Acute onset of fever
Diarrhea with abdominal cramps
Nausea and vomiting
The stool may contain blood and mucus

Complications of bacillary dysentery may include toxic dilation of large intestine and acute kidney disease. The best way to prevent incidences of both bacillary and amoebic dysentery is to ensure frequent hand hygiene, especially before handling food or eating and after using toilet or handling faecal matter.

Also Read: Difference Between Diarrhea And Dysentery