Shigella
What causes dysentery?
There are two main types of dysentery:
- bacillary dysentery or shigellosis caused by shigella bacteria; this is the most common type of dysentery in the UK
- amoebic dysentery or amoebiasis caused by an amoeba (single-celled parasite) called Entamoeba histolytica, which is mainly found in tropical areas; this type of dysentery is usually picked up abroad
Both types of dysentery are highly infectious and can be passed on if the poo of an infected person gets into another person's mouth.
This can happen if someone with the infection doesn't wash their hands after going to the toilet and then touches food, surfaces or another person.
In the UK, the infection usually affects groups of people in close contact, such as in families,schools and nurseries.
There is also a chance of picking up the infection through anal or anal-oral sex ("rimming").
In developing countries with poor sanitation, infected poo may contaminate the water supply or food, particularly cold uncooked food.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Dysentery is an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.
Treating dysentery
Treatment isn't normally needed, asdysentery usually clears up on its own. However, it's important to make sure you drink plenty of fluids and use oral rehydration solutions (ORS) if necessary to avo
Treating dysentery
Treatment isn't normally needed, asdysentery usually clears up on its own. However, it's important to make sure you drink plenty of fluids and use oral rehydration solutions (ORS) if necessary to avo
What causes dysentery?
There are two main types of dysentery: bacillary dysentery or shigellosis caused by shigella bacteria; this is the most common type of dysentery in the UK amoebic dysentery or amoebiasis caused
What causes dysentery?
There are two main types of dysentery: bacillary dysentery or shigellosis caused by shigella bacteria; this is the most common type of dysentery in the UK amoebic dysentery or amoebiasis caused
Reducing your risk of catching dysentery
You can reduce your risk of getting dysentery with good hygiene. You should: wash your hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet and regularly throughout the day wash your hands before
Reducing your risk of catching dysentery
You can reduce your risk of getting dysentery with good hygiene. You should: wash your hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet and regularly throughout the day wash your hands before
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