Dysentery

BACILLARY DYSENTERY
 also known as Shigella infection (shigellosis) or Bloody Flux is an intestinal
disease caused by a family of bacteria known as shigella
 comes in three (3) strains Shigella flexneri,
Shigella boydii, and Shigella sonnei
 The main sign of shigella infection is diarrhea, which often is bloody. Kiyoshi
Shiga (1897) - a Japanese Scientist discovered Shigella bacteria causing
dysentery
incubation period

 1 to 4 days
 Although some people have no symptoms after they've been infected with
shigella, their feces may still be contagious up to a few weeks
 mode of transmission is same as cholera with 7 Fs
Who are at risk

 children under age 5 are most likely to get shigella infection, but it can occur at
any age.
 Living arrangements and activities.
 Time spent in areas that lack sanitation
 Men who have sex with men
 A mild case usually clears up on its own within a week.
S & Sx

 Signs and symptoms of shigella infection usually begin a day or two after contact
with shigella, but may take up to a week to develop
 Diarrhea (often containing blood or mucus)
 Abdominal pain or cramps
 with or without fever
 with or without vomiting.
 Shigella infection usually runs its course in five to seven days.
Management

 Replacing lost fluids – for mild, ORS

 Antibiotics – Clotrimoxazole DOC – for severe, it shorten the duration of the
illness, may also be necessary for infants, older adults and people who have HIV
infection, IV Fluids
Complications

 Dehydration
 Seizures
 Rectal prolapse
 Hemolytic uremic syndrome (hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, AKI)
 Toxic megacolon
 Reactive arthritis
 Conjunctivitis
 urethritis
Toxic megacolon

 This rare complication occurs when the colon

becomes paralyzed, preventing from having a bowel movement or passing gas.
Signs and
symptoms include abdominal pain and swelling, fever, and weakness. If don't
receive treatment
for toxic megacolon, the colon may break open (rupture), causing peritonitis, a
life-threatening
infection requiring emergency surgery
Nursing Education

 Wash hands frequently and thoroughly

 Supervise small children when they wash their hands.
 Dispose of soiled diapers properly
 Disinfect diaper-changing areas after use
 Don't prepare food for others if you have diarrhea.
 Keep children with diarrhea home from child care, play groups or school
 Avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes or untreated pools
 Avoid sexual activity with anyone who has diarrhea or who
recently recovered from diarrhea.