Differences between chronic bacterial dysentery and amoebic dysentery
Disease description:
I have contracted dysentery, and I heard it's chronic bacterial dysentery, but the doctor said it's similar to amoebic dysentery. What is the difference between chronic bacterial dysentery and amoebic dysentery?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
The main differences between chronic bacillary dysentery and amoebic dysentery are as follows:
1. Pathogen: Chronic bacillary dysentery is mainly caused by *Shigella* species (a genus of enterobacteria), while amoebic dysentery is caused by infection with *Entamoeba histolytica*.
2. Route of transmission: Chronic bacillary dysentery spreads via contaminated hands, food, water sources, or daily-life contact; amoebic dysentery primarily spreads through ingestion of food or water contaminated with *Entamoeba histolytica* cysts.
3. Clinical manifestations: Chronic bacillary dysentery presents with abdominal pain, diarrhea, abdominal distension, and may recur repeatedly; amoebic dysentery mainly presents with abdominal pain, diarrhea, with dark red or jam-like stools, and is prone to complications such as liver abscesses.
4. Treatment: Chronic bacillary dysentery is mainly treated with antimicrobial therapy and regulation of intestinal function; amoebic dysentery is treated with anti-amoebic medications and dietary adjustments.
