Which term describes an infection that causes severe intestinal symptoms?

The term that describes an infection causing severe intestinal symptoms is dysentery. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the intestines, particularly the colon, leading to severe diarrhea accompanied by blood or mucus in the stool. Dysentery is usually caused by an infection from bacteria or protozoa and can result in significant gastrointestinal distress, including abdominal pain and cramping.

Gastritis refers to the inflammation of the stomach lining, which does not primarily involve severe intestinal symptoms. Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, leading to abdominal pain, but it is also not specifically linked to severe intestinal symptoms. Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon, but it is a broader term that does not exclusively imply an infection causing these specific symptoms. Thus, dysentery is the most accurate term to describe an infection associated with severe intestinal symptoms.