Question
Pathogens causing loose stools with blood and mucus are
- Shigella species
- Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli
- Entamoeba histolytica
- Balanditium coli a) 1, 2, 3 are correct c) 1, 3, 4 are correct b) 1, 2, 4 are correct d) 1, 2, 3, 4 are correct
Answer
Key pathogens causing loose stools with blood and mucus (dysentery) include: Shigella species (bacillary dysentery — invasive, with the most severe disease/HUS risk from S. dysenteriae type 1), Entamoeba histolytica (amoebic dysentery — direct cytolytic invasion, flask-shaped ulcers), enteroinvasive/enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (invasive or Shiga-toxin-mediated bloody diarrhoea), and non-typhoidal Salmonella species (can cause invasive, occasionally bloody diarrhoea). Organisms that would NOT typically cause bloody/mucoid dysenteric stool include purely toxin-mediated, non-invasive secretory pathogens such as Vibrio cholerae (profuse watery, non-bloody “rice-water” stool) or enterotoxigenic E. coli (watery, non-inflammatory diarrhoea). Without the original four numbered statements from the source question, the specific combination intended by the examiner cannot be confirmed.