Description
Intestinal disorders caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, ameobas or viruses spread through
contaminated food and water resulting in diarrhoea containing pus and blood. There are two main types:
amoebic and bacillary dysentery. Bacillary dysentery occurs due to infection by Shigella, Salmonella,
Campylobacter and E coli. Shigella is responsible for approximately 50% of cases while amoebic dysentery is
caused by the parasite Entamoeaba Histolytica.
Signs and Symptoms
• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Fever
• Tenesmus
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloody diarrhoea
Investigations
- Stool microscopy and
- FBC/DC
- Serum
Treatment
Supportive
- Supportive care with adequate rehydration and pain
- Adequate
- Zinc
Pharmacological
- Bacillary dysentery
- Ciprofloxacin 5mg/kg/day for 7-10 days. Maximum dose 500mg per dose.
- Ceftriaxone 50mg/kg/day for 7-10 days. Maximum dose 2g
- Amoebic dysentery
- Metronidazole 7.5mg/kg/day Orally 8 hourly for 5 days
- Tinidazole 50mg/kg once daily for 3 Maximum dose 2g per day.