Dysentery

As dysentery, or dysentery ( obsolete German designation Dissenterie, English dysentery, bacterial enteritis Syn ) is referred to in the strict sense, an inflammatory disease of the colon with a bacterial infection ( bacterial dysentery ). In a broader sense, diarrheal diseases based on parasitic infections (eg, amoebas, Giardia ) and viruses are here meant.

Dysentery catarrhalis, however, is a synonym for celiac sprue.

Clinic

Trigger of dysentery ( dysentery ) are Shigella (Gram -negative rod-shaped bacteria ) and amoebae (protozoa ). The incubation period is 2-3 days. The first signs are colicky abdominal pain and diarrhea. The stool is 8-30 times a day very common and painful ( tenesmus ). The chair is usually slimy and bright ( white Ruhr) or bloody ( dysentery ). The occurrence of fever is possible, but not characteristic. Normally one is recovering after 4 to a maximum of 14 days. The strong fluid and electrolyte loss can be life threatening and leads especially for young children to CNS symptoms, kidney failure and circulatory collapse. The heaviest gradients caused by the toxins of Shigella dysenteriae species, whereas milder forms occur in Shigella sonnei.

Consequences of disease

As a sequel to a Reiter's syndrome may develop. The rider 's triad consists of inflammatory processes in the eye (conjunctivitis, iritis, swollen eyelids ), the urethra and of the joints (arthritis, bursitis, synovitis ).

Therapy

In addition to symptomatic therapy are quinolones, aminopenicillins, cephalosporins and cotrimoxazole treatment of choice, but also tetracyclines and sulfonamides can be used. Indispensable is the sensitivity test for the optimal therapy.