What pathogens can cause hematochezia?

The pathogens that cause bloody stools mainly include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and sometimes fungal infections may also be a cause. These pathogens spread through food, water sources, or contact, causing infection and damage to the digestive tract. Bacterial infections are a common cause of bloody stools, with shigellosis caused by Shigella being a typical example, and patients usually experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and mucoid stools. Food contaminated with Salmonella can lead to acute gastroenteritis, with severe cases presenting with bloody diarrhea. Escherichia coli (such as enterohemorrhagic E. coli, EHEC) may also cause bloody stools. Among viral infections, rotavirus or norovirus are widely spread and may lead to severe gastroenteritis with bloody stools after infection. Parasitic infections such as amoebic dysentery can cause chronic diarrhea with bloody stools, while tapeworm parasitism may also cause intestinal wall damage. Fungal infections such as Candida albicans are more common in special populations with lower immunity, such as patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy.

Bacterial infections are a common cause of bloody stools, with shigellosis caused by Shigella being a typical example, and patients usually experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and mucoid stools. Food contaminated with Salmonella can lead to acute gastroenteritis, with severe cases presenting with bloody diarrhea. Escherichia coli (such as enterohemorrhagic E. coli, EHEC) may also cause bloody stools. Among viral infections, rotavirus or norovirus are widely spread and may lead to severe gastroenteritis with bloody stools after infection. Parasitic infections such as amoebic dysentery can cause chronic diarrhea with bloody stools, while tapeworm parasitism may also cause intestinal wall damage. Fungal infections such as Candida albicans are more common in special populations with lower immunity, such as patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy.

The key to preventing bloody stools is to pay attention to food and water safety, and avoid consuming spoiled food, raw water, or seafood that has not been thoroughly heated. It is also recommended to develop the habit of washing hands frequently to prevent the spread of pathogens through contact. Once bloody stools occur, especially accompanied by systemic symptoms such as high fever, decreased energy, or persistent abdominal pain, medical attention should be sought promptly. Pathogens should be identified through stool culture tests and treated according to the type of pathogen. For bacterial infections, antibiotics (such as metronidazole, quinolones, or penicillins) can be selected; bloody stools caused by rotavirus are mostly self-limiting and require oral rehydration salts to correct dehydration; parasitic infections can be treated with antiparasitic drugs such as metronidazole or anti-tapeworm drugs. Proper treatment and reasonable prevention can effectively reduce the occurrence of bloody stools and improve quality of life.