Dysentery is a form of diarrhoea where the stool is not simply watery, but also contains visible blood and mucus. Dysentery is usually caused by organisms which invade and damage the bowel wall. These children usually look ill (toxic) and have a high temperature. Dysentery is usually caused by Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Amoeba and some types of E. coli. The commonest cause of dysentery is Shigella. Dysentery is severe if there are signs of dehydration.
Dysentery is diarrhoea containing blood and mucus.
With dysentery, the organisms invade and damage the bowel wall, causing bleeding and the secretion of mucus.