Dictionary > Dysentery

Dysentery

Definition
noun
A disorder marked by the inflammation of the intestines particularly the colon, and hemorrhagic diarrhea
Supplement
Dysentery is a condition in which the intestines, especially the colon, became inflamed often due to the presence of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and parasitic worms. It is accompanied by fever, abdominal pain, rectal tenesmus, foul-smelling stool, and hemorrhagic diarrhea (frequent stools containing blood). The large intestine is the common site of infection and the pathogens and the parasites reach the site when contaminated food, water, or objects are ingested. The presence of these pathogens activates the inflammatory immune response, which in turn causes cramps due to edema (i.e. water leaking from the intestinal capillaries) and damage to the intestinal lining due to the release of cytokines as a natural immune defense mechanism of the host as well as due to the cytotoxin released by certain pathogens, e.g. Shigella. Other pathogens, such as viruses, attack the intestinal cells causing direct damage to the intestine. Due to the damaged intestinal lining there is a malabsorption of nutrients and water. The excess water in the intestinal lumen is released during fecal evacuation and therefore results in a watery stool.
Word origin: Greek enteron (intestine)
See also:

Related term(s):

  • Amoebic dysentery
  • Japanese dysentery
  • Spirillar dysentery
  • Swine dysentery
  • Winter dysentery of cattle


  • You will also like...

    Human gastrointestinal tract
    Human Biology – Food and Digestion

    This tutorial recognizes the importance of food as a source of energy that will fuel many biological processes. A good d..

    Plant meristem
    Plant Meristems and Growth

    In plants, growth occurs in meristems, which are the site of repeated cell division of unspecialized cells. These cells ..

    An artist's depiction of the origin of amphibians
    Amphibians & Early Reptiles

    Obtaining air outside an aquatic environment required species to acquire suitable adaptations, and this was the case of ..

    Human Neurology
    Human Neurology

    Human Neurology deals essentially with the nervous system of humans. It also features the various theories put forward b..

    A sperm cell fertilizing an ovum
    Human Reproduction and Fertilization

    For human species to obviate extinction, reproductive mature adults should be producing viable offspring in order to con..

    Energy pyramid
    Freshwater Community Energy Relationships – Producers & Consumers

    This tutorial looks at the relationship between organisms. It also explores how energy is passed on in the food chain an..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics