amebic dysentery

dysentery /dys·en·tery/ (dis´en-ter″e) any of a number of disorders marked by inflammation of the intestine, especially of the colon, with abdominal pain, tenesmus, and frequent stools containing blood and mucus.dysenter´ic

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amebic dysentery  dysentery due to ulceration of the bowel caused by severe amebiasis.

bacillary dysentery  dysentery caused by Shigella.

viral dysentery  dysentery caused by a virus, occurring in epidemics and marked by acute watery diarrhea.

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amebic dysentery

n.

Severe intestinal infection of humans caused by the ameba Entamoeba histolytica and resulting in diarrhea, cramping, fever, and ulceration of the colon.

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amebic dysentery,

an inflammation of the intestine caused by infestation with Entamoeba histolytica. It is characterized by frequent, loose stools flecked with blood and mucus. Intestinal amebiasis may be accompanied by symptoms of liver involvement. Also called intestinal amebiasis. See also amebiasis, hepatic amebiasis.

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amebic [ah-me´bik]

pertaining to, caused by, or of the nature of, an ameba.

amebic dysentery a form of dysentery caused by Entamoeba histolytica and spread by contaminated food, water, and flies; it was formerly thought to be a purely tropical disease, but it is now known that many cases occur throughout the United States. It is usually less acute and virulent than bacillary dysentery, but it frequently becomes chronic. Symptoms are diarrhea, fatigue, and intestinal bleeding. Complications include involvement of the liver, liver abscess, and pulmonary abscess. For treatment several drugs are available, for example, emetine hydrochloride and chloroquine, which may be used singly or in combination. Called also intestinal amebiasis.

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dysentery [dis´en-ter″e]

any of a number of disorders marked by inflammation of the intestine, especially of the colon, with abdominal pain, tenesmus, and frequent stools often containing blood and mucus. The causative agent may be chemical irritants, bacteria, protozoa, viruses, or parasitic worms. adj., adj dysenter´ic. Dysentery is less prevalent today than in years past because of improved sanitary facilities throughout the world; it was formerly a common occurrence in crowded parts of the world and it particularly plagued army camps. It can be dangerous to infants, children, the elderly, and others who are in a weakened condition.

In dysentery, there is an unusually fluid discharge of stool from the bowels, as well as fever, stomach cramps, and spasms of involuntary straining to evacuate, with the passage of little feces. The stool is often mixed with pus and mucus and may be streaked with blood.

amebic dysentery see amebic dysentery.

bacillary dysentery see bacillary dysentery.

viral dysentery a form caused by a virus, occurring in epidemics and marked by acute watery diarrhea. It is common in travelers who have eaten raw salads or fruit, or used contaminated tableware. With proper care, it should subside in 12 to 72 hours.

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amebic dysentery

dysentery caused by Entamoeba histolytica in humans and nonhuman primates; a mild to severe necroulcerative enterocolitis.

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amebic dysentery

Parasitology A clinical form of amebiasis–due to Entamoeba histolytica, which is characterized by diarrhea, and accompanied by ulcerative inflammation, which mimics ulcerative colitis. See Amebiasis.