Dysentery Is Caused by Which Bacteria?

Dysentery is a gastrointestinal disorder most closely characterized by inflammation of the intestines, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes blood in stool.

It is one of the most common gastrointestinal disease in the entire world, most common in areas with poor sanitation and poor access to safe potable water. Both bacteria and parasites can occur, but in this blog, a discussion about causative bacteria will be discussed in detail.

Bacterial dysentery is a significant medical issue since it can transmit with ease through contaminated water and food. It can cause complications such as malnutrition and severe dehydration, particularly in older adults and in children, when not treated appropriately.

Bacteria That Cause Dysentery

Bacterial dysentery is most commonly caused by two types of bacteria:

• Shigella Bacteria
• Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Each of them is responsible for a specific form of bacterial dysentery, and familiarity with them can go a long way in knowing its cause and controlling its spread.

Shigella Bacteria

Shigella dysenteriae is most deadly in that it forms a toxin, the Shiga toxin, that can destroy a portion of lining in the intestines. Transmission of the Shigella bacillus occurs most frequently when humans ingest contaminated stool-contaminated food and water or have contact with an infected person.

The symptoms of shigella dysentery include stool with blood, abdominal cramps, fever, and a constant urge to have a bowel movement. In severe cases, shigella infection can have complications including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a kidney disorder.

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

Certain strains of E. coli, namely, Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC), can cause dysentery, as well. EIEC bacteria invade colonic lining cells, creating fever, cramps, and blood in stool, similar to infection with Shigella.

E. coli is shared through contaminated food, specifically undercooked meat, uncleaned produce, or unclean water. E. coli can also pass through improper washing methods, such as improper washing of hands.

While not all strains of E. coli cause disease, those responsible for causing dysentery represent a considerable medical risk and require immediate medical intervention.

Conclusion

By maintaining proper sanitary practice, access to safe food and water, and timely medical care, one can effectively counteract bacterial dysentery’s damaging effects. Adoption of these actions is most critical in regions most hit with the disease.

Dr. Kailash Mishra
Director & Gastroenterologist Consultant
Prime Gastro Liver Clinic