What Does Dysentery Stool Look Like?

Dysentery is most commonly associated with stools that contain blood and pus. However, the appearance of the stool can vary depending on the type of dysentery. In bacterial dysentery, the stool often contains a significant amount of mucus and blood, while in amoebic dysentery, the stool typically resembles a dark, reddish-brown jelly-like substance, often described as "currant jelly" stool.

How to Differentiate Between Amoebic and Bacterial Dysentery

Accurately identifying the type of dysentery—whether it's amoebic or bacterial—is crucial for effective treatment. This distinction can be made through a routine stool test. By analyzing the stool sample under a microscope, healthcare professionals can determine the type of infection based on specific characteristics present in the feces.

Key Diagnostic Indicators in Stool Analysis

One of the main indicators in diagnosing bacterial dysentery is the presence of a high number of white blood cells in the stool. Specifically, if there are more than 15 white blood cells per high-power field under the microscope, it strongly suggests bacterial dysentery. On the other hand, the detection of amoeba trophozoites in the stool confirms the diagnosis of amoebic dysentery. Additionally, a distinct feature of amoebic dysentery is the foul or "fishy" odor of the stool, which is not typically present in bacterial cases.