A person returns to Delhi from Bangladesh after 2 days and has diarrhoea. Stool examination shows RBCs in Stool. The likely organism causing is –
First, the presence of RBCs in the stool suggests a pathogen that causes invasive disease, damaging the intestinal lining. Common causes include Shigella, E. coli (like EHEC), Salmonella, and maybe even Entamoeba histolytica. But since the person came from Bangladesh, which is a region with a high prevalence of certain infections, that might narrow down the options.
Shigella is a big one for dysentery, which causes bloody diarrhea. Shigellosis typically presents with fever, abdominal cramps, and stools with mucus, blood, and RBCs. The incubation period is about 1-3 days, which fits the timeline here (returning after 2 days). Also, Bangladesh is a country where Shigella is common due to poor sanitation and water contamination.
E. coli, specifically EHEC (O157:H7), can cause hemorrhagic colitis with bloody diarrhea but usually without fever. However, the incubation period is longer, around 3-4 days. Since this person had symptoms within 2 days, maybe EHEC is less likely. Also, EHEC is more associated with undercooked beef or contaminated water, but possible in travel.
Salmonella typhi causes typhoid fever, which is more systemic with prolonged fever, not just diarrhea. The presence of RBCs might not be as prominent as in Shigella. Also, typhoid has a longer incubation period.
Entamoeba histolytica causes amoebic dysentery, which can have blood and mucus in stool. However, the incubation period is usually longer, around 2-4 weeks. The rapid onset here (2 days) makes it less likely. Plus, amoebiasis might present with a more chronic course if untreated.
So, putting it all together, the most probable organism is Shigella. The key points are the short incubation period, bloody diarrhea with RBCs, and the travel history to a region with high Shigella prevalence. The other options either have longer incubation periods or different presentation features.
**Core Concept**
The presence of red blood cells (RBCs) in stool indicates an invasive enteric pathogen causing dysentery. Shigella species are a leading cause of bacillary dysentery, characterized by rapid onset (1–3 days), bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Travel to regions with poor sanitation increases risk.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Shigella causes invasive colitis by adhering to and invading colonic epithelial cells, inducing inflammation and ulceration. This leads to the classic "dysentery triad": fever, abdominal pain, and bloody mucus-filled stools. The 2-day incubation period aligns with Shigella’s rapid onset. Bangladesh is a high-risk region for Shigella due to contaminated water and food.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *Entamoeba histolytica* causes amoebic dysentery but requires 2–4 weeks of incubation, inconsistent with this timeline.
**Option C:** *Sal