Amoebic Dysentery Stool Characteristics and Symptoms

Amoebic dysentery is an intestinal infection caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica. This condition primarily affects the terminal ileum and can also involve the rectum. It is characterized by a range of gastrointestinal symptoms and distinctive stool changes that help in its clinical identification.

Common Symptoms of Amoebic Dysentery

Patients suffering from amoebic dysentery often experience chills, fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. One of the hallmark symptoms is a persistent feeling of tenesmus — the sensation of needing to pass stools even when the bowels are empty.

Key Stool Features in Amoebic Dysentery

The stool of individuals infected with amoebiasis typically presents as dark red, jam-like feces mixed with pus and blood. This appearance is due to the ulceration and bleeding in the intestinal lining caused by the parasite. The frequency of bowel movements may increase significantly, with patients reporting multiple bowel movements per day.

The consistency of the stool is usually soft or semi-liquid, often containing mucus and blood. Additionally, the feces emit a foul, fishy odor that distinguishes it from other types of diarrhea. These characteristics are crucial for initial clinical diagnosis before laboratory confirmation.

Diagnostic Methods for Amoebic Dysentery

During stool analysis, a fecal occult blood test is often positive, indicating the presence of blood in the stool. Microscopic examination can also reveal the presence of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites, which confirms the diagnosis.

Colonoscopy is another valuable diagnostic tool in evaluating amoebic colitis. The procedure typically reveals scattered ulcers of varying sizes in the colon and rectum. These ulcers have well-defined edges, and the mucosa between them appears normal, which is a distinguishing feature of this infection.

Conclusion

Recognizing the unique stool characteristics and symptoms of amoebic dysentery is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. If you experience persistent diarrhea with blood, mucus, and a distinct odor, it's important to seek medical attention and undergo appropriate testing for intestinal parasites.