dysentery

A bacterial or parasitic disease causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. In children, bacillary dysentery due to Shigella species is a common endemic or epidemic disease, and is associated with poor hygiene. It is a short-lived illness but may cause dehydration in severe cases. The organism may be carried in feces in the absence of symptoms. Antibiotics may be used to shorten the attack and reduce carrier rates.

Amebic dysentery is a chromic disease, usually seen in warm climates, with episodes of diarrhea and constipation, accompanied by mucus and occasionally blood; constitutional symptoms occur and the disease may resemble noninfective colitis. Treatment with ementine, while effective, is accompanied by a high risk of toxicity; metronidazole is a less toxic antiamebic agent.

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• HEALTH AND DISEASE

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