What is Bacillary Dysentery: Meaning, Symptoms, Causes and More

Bacillary Dysentery refers to an infectious disease of the intestines, primarily caused by Shigella bacteria. It spreads through contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene, leading to severe diarrhoea and abdominal distress. Understanding bacillary dysentery is crucial because delayed treatment can worsen dehydration and complications, especially in children and older adults.

This guide breaks down Bacillary Dysentery symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention measures, helping you recognise warning signs early and take timely steps to protect yourself and others.

Symptoms of Bacillary Dysentery

The symptoms of Bacillary Dysentery generally appear within 2 days after exposure to the Shigella bacteria. Some of the common Bacillary Dysentery symptoms include:

1. Frequent diarrhoea (often watery and sometimes mixed with blood or mucus)
2. Severe abdominal cramps and pain
3. Fever and chills
4. Nausea and vomiting
5. Dehydration caused by excess fluid loss
6. Fatigue and weakness

These symptoms can range from mild to severe. It depends on who contracts the bacteria.

Causes of Bacillary Dysentery

Contaminated Food and Water

Eating or drinking contaminated food and water is a common way to contract Bacillus dysentery. Untreated water carries Shigella bacteria, which, upon drinking, can enter the digestive system, leading to an infection.

Poor Hand Hygiene

Improperly washing hands after using the toilet, changing the diapers of babies, or handling contaminated surfaces can transfer bacteria to the hands and then through food to the mouth when eating.

Close Contact with Infected Individuals

The Shigella bacteria can spread through close personal contact, especially in crowded environments. Sharing towels, utensils, or bedding with an infected person also increases the risk of transmission.

Environmental and Travel Factors

Living or travelling to areas with inadequate sanitisation and unsafe water supplies also increases the likelihood of exposure. People with weakened immune systems, such as children and senior citizens, are more prone to severe infections.

Diagnosis of Bacillary Dysentery

Diagnosing Bacillary Dysentery involves a clinical evaluation and laboratory testing to confirm the presence of Shigella bacteria and rule out any other similar intestinal infection.

Clinical Examination

The doctors begin by assessing symptoms such as abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, fever and presence of blood or mucus in stools. They check for abdominal tenderness, dehydration and overall weakness.

A travel and medical history helps determine the potential exposure to contaminated food, water or infected individuals.

Stool Sample Tests

Taking stool sample tests is the most definitive method of diagnosing Bacillary Dysentery. It helps the doctors to identify the specific Shigella strain responsible for the infection. In many modern laboratories, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing is a means of a quicker and more accurate alternative.

Furthermore, a Stool microscopy helps to detect any white blood cells and other inflammatory markers.

Blood Tests

These tests are sometimes necessary to assess dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and infection severity. They help to determine whether hospitalisation or intravenous fluids is necessary to be administered to the affected person.

Treatment of Bacillary Dysentery

Bacillary Dysentery treatment primarily focuses on eliminating the Shigella infection, managing symptoms, and preventing dehydration.

Rehydration Therapy

Rehydration is the most essential part of treatment. Frequent diarrhoea can lead to severe fluid and electrolyte loss. Hence, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are recommended to restore balance.

In cases where dehydration is significant, especially in young children, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems, intravenous (IV) fluids may be administered.

Antibiotic Treatment

Antibiotics are given for moderate to severe cases or when symptoms last longer than a few days. Some of the commonly used antibiotics include ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, and ceftriaxone.

Depending on the patient’s condition and local antibiotic resistance patterns, it is important to complete the full course to prevent recurrence and resistance.

Symptom Management

Anti-diarrhoeal medications are generally not advisable, as they can slow bowel movement and worsen the infection by keeping bacteria in the intestines longer. Instead, rest and hydration should be prioritised.

A mild diet such as rice, bananas, toast, and clear soups can help soothe the digestive system during this time.

Preventing Transmission

During recovery, maintaining strict hygiene and avoiding close contact with others is essential. The affected people need to wash their hands frequently, avoid preparing food for others, and stay home until symptoms fully resolve. This reduces the risk of spreading the infection even further.

Medical treatments can be unpredictable, but your financial safety does not have to be! Explore the various health insurance plans of Bajaj General Insurance and stay protected.

Prevention of Bacillary Dysentery

Maintain a Proper Hand Hygiene

Practising a regular habit of washing hands with soap and clean water, especially after using the loo, is one way to maintain proper hand hygiene. You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitisers when soap and water are not available. However, a thorough washing of your hands is always ideal.

Ensure Safe Food and Drinking Water

It is necessary to ensure that you are consuming only properly cooked food and drinking safe water. Avoid having any raw or undercooked foods, unclean vegetables or fruits, and unpasteurised dairy. Filtering and boiling water in areas with poor sanitation can help prevent an infection.

Avoid Any Contact with Infected Individuals

Those infected with Bacillary Dysentery should avoid close contact with others, especially in schools, daycare centres, or crowded living spaces, until the symptoms fully resolve. Any sharing of utensils, towels, or bedding should be avoided to prevent transmission.

Practice Safe Sanitation Measures

Proper disposal of human waste and maintaining clean living environments can reduce bacterial contamination. Community health initiatives can further help minimise outbreaks. Raising awareness about the causes and transmission of Bacillary Dysentery can help communities adopt preventive practices and reduce the risk of outbreaks.

Final Words

Bacillary Dysentery is a preventable yet potentially serious infection, which makes early recognition and timely treatment essential. Maintaining good hygiene, following safe food habits and accessing clean water can significantly reduce the risk. If symptoms arise, seek prompt medical care to avoid any complications.

Staying vigilant about infections is important, and so is maintaining continuous access to quality healthcare. To avoid any gaps in your medical coverage, make sure you do not miss your health insurance renewal. Renew your Bajaj General Insurance health plan and stay protected year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bacillary Dysentery contagious?

Yes, Bacillary Dysentery is contagious in nature. It can spread through faecal-oral transmission. This means that the bacteria from an infected stool can contaminate the water, food and surfaces.

How long does Bacillary Dysentery last?

The duration for which Bacillary Dysentery lasts generally ranges from 5 to 7 days (for the mild cases). The severe infections can last a bit longer, especially if they are not treated promptly. An early diagnosis and proper treatment can help shorten the course of illness.

What is the meaning of the Bacillary Dysentery incubation period?

It refers to the time between exposure to Shigella bacteria and the appearance of the first symptoms. For a majority of affected people with Bacillary Dysentery, this period has been from 1 to 2 days. However, this duration can vary depending on the strain and the immune system of an individual.

Does Bacillary Dysentery affect toddlers?

Yes, toddlers are more vulnerable to Bacillary Dysentery due to their developing immune system and a higher likelihood of being exposed to the bacteria in the daycare facilities or through contaminated water.

Can Bacillary Dysentery recur?

Yes, a recurrence is fully possible, especially if a person is exposed again to contaminated food and water. Thus, it becomes important to maintain good hygiene and follow proper sanitation measures to prevent contracting the virus.

*Standard T&C Apply

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.

The information presented is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice. Any suggestions mentioned should be considered for general use only. For expert guidance on any health ailment or medical issue or treatment/procedure, please consult a certified medical professional.