Bacillary dysentery, also called shigellosis, is an infection of the intestines caused by bacteria called Shigella. It leads to diarrhoea that often contains blood and mucus, along with stomach cramps, fever, and sometimes nausea or vomiting. In Uganda, this disease is important to recognise quickly because it can spread easily through contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene. If untreated, it can become serious, especially in children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
At Hope Plus, patients with symptoms of dysentery can quickly connect with licensed healthcare providers for guidance and treatment. A consultation can be arranged in minutes, helping you understand your condition and receive the right care without delay. Learn more at Hope Plus.
Key Takeaways
- Bacillary dysentery is caused by Shigella bacteria, spread through contaminated food, water, or unclean hands.
- Symptoms include bloody diarrhoea, mucus in stool, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, and a frequent urge to pass stool.
- Most patients recover with proper hydration, but severe cases may require antibiotics and hospital care.
- Prevention relies on hygiene, safe water, and prompt treatment.
- In Uganda, bacillary dysentery is a notifiable disease, meaning healthcare providers must report cases to help prevent outbreaks.
Causes
Bacillary dysentery is caused by different types of Shigella bacteria, including:
- Shigella dysenteriae
- Shigella flexneri
- Shigella sonnei
The bacteria enter the body through contaminated hands, food, or water, which is why personal and community hygiene is so important.
Symptoms
Patients usually experience:
- Bloody or mucus-filled diarrhoea
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Tenesmus, a feeling of needing to pass stool even if little comes out
- Toxaemia in some cases
- S. flexneri infections may lead to Reiter’s syndrome, causing joint pain, eye inflammation, and urinary problems
When to See a Healthcare Provider
- Persistent bloody diarrhoea
- High fever or severe dehydration
- Signs of weakness, confusion, or very little urine
- Young children, pregnant women, and older adults should seek care immediately
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers may:
- Examine a stool sample for bacteria
- Use microscopy to look for mobile bacteria
Treatment and Management
Treatment depends on severity:
Mild to Moderate Cases
- Oral rehydration salts (ORS) are used to replace fluids lost through diarrhoea
- Continuing breastfeeding or normal feeding is encouraged for children
Severe Cases
Healthcare providers may:
- Give IV fluids such as Ringer’s lactate if dehydration is severe
- Administer glucose intravenously if blood sugar is low
- Provide maintenance fluids (at least 4–5 litres per day)
- Prescribe antibiotics based on age and condition:
- Doxycycline: 300 mg single dose for adults; children 4 mg/kg single dose
- Erythromycin: 25–50 mg/kg every 6 hours for 3 days in children under 12
- Ciprofloxacin: 1 g single dose for adults; children 20 mg/kg every 12 hours for 3 days
Note: Some antibiotics like doxycycline and ciprofloxacin are usually avoided in pregnancy or in children under 8, but a single dose for severe infections is often safe. Erythromycin is a safe alternative.
Supportive Care
- Patients are often isolated to prevent the spread of infection
- Ongoing hydration and rest are essential
Prevention
Preventing bacillary dysentery involves good hygiene and safe practices:
- Drink clean, safe water
- Wash hands before eating and after using the toilet
- Practice safe food handling
- Ensure proper disposal of human waste
- Prompt treatment and reporting of cases helps protect the community
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can bacillary dysentery be deadly?
Yes, especially in young children, the elderly, or those with weakened immunity if not treated promptly. Severe dehydration is the main risk.
2. How long does it take to recover?
Mild cases may improve in 5–7 days with hydration. Severe cases may take longer and require antibiotics and close monitoring.
3. Can I continue breastfeeding if my child has dysentery?
Yes, breastfeeding should continue as it helps maintain hydration and provides important nutrients.
4. Is it contagious?
Yes, it spreads through contaminated hands, food, or water. Isolation and hygiene help prevent it from spreading.
5. Should antibiotics be used for all cases?
No, mild cases often improve with fluids alone. Antibiotics are reserved for severe cases or high-risk patients.
6. Can it happen more than once?
Yes, immunity is temporary, so practicing hygiene and safe water use is important to prevent reinfection.
7. How can I prevent it at home?
Boil or treat water, wash hands thoroughly, prepare food safely, and dispose of faeces properly.
