Amoebic dysentery is caused by & x20; - RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)

RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)

Explanation

Amoebic dysentery is an intestinal infection specifically caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica.
Infection occurs through the fecal-oral route by ingesting cysts from contaminated sources.
In the colon, the parasite invades the mucosal lining, causing tissue destruction, inflammation, and the characteristic symptoms of bloody, mucoid diarrhea.
While other organisms can cause diarrhea or dysentery, E. histolytica is the definitive cause of amoebic dysentery.

Option B: Amoeba proteus is a well-known species of amoeba, but it is a free-living organism found in the environment and is not pathogenic to humans.
Option C: Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite that causes giardiasis, an intestinal illness characterized by non-bloody, watery diarrhea, gas, and malabsorption.
Option D: Balantidium coli is a ciliate protozoan, not an amoeba. It causes a different disease called balantidiasis, which can also present with dysentery but has a different etiology, often linked to contact with pigs.

Visual 1: Diagram: The life cycle of Entamoeba histolytica, illustrating the infectious cyst stage and the invasive trophozoite stage. This helps visualize the transmission and pathogenesis.
Visual 2: Micrograph: A microscopic view of an E. histolytica trophozoite containing ingested red blood cells, a pathognomonic sign of invasive disease.
Visual 3: Illustration: A cross-section of the colon showing the characteristic 'flask-shaped' ulcer caused by E. histolytica invasion.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of Amoebic Dysentery as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in patient education regarding prevention, emphasizing strict hand hygiene and the importance of consuming safe, clean water and properly cooked food to prevent fecal-oral transmission.
When assessing a patient with diarrhea, it is vital to inquire about travel history and obtain a detailed description of the stool (color, consistency, presence of blood/mucus) to help differentiate between various infectious causes.
A key nursing responsibility is monitoring for signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which are common complications of dysentery, and managing fluid replacement as prescribed.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of microbiology.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'Amoebic dysentery'. The word 'amoebic' is the most important clue.
Scan the options to find the one that is a known pathogenic amoeba.
Recall that Entamoeba histolytica is the classic causative agent of amoebiasis (amoebic dysentery).
Eliminate the other options by identifying what they are: Amoeba proteus is non-pathogenic, Giardia lamblia causes non-bloody diarrhea (giardiasis), and Balantidium coli is a ciliate, not an amoeba.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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