Shigellosis

Shigellosis is a highly infectious disease caused by the Shigella bacterium, which affects the digestive system and causes diarrhea, often bloody.

Cause

Shigellosis is caused by four species of Shigella bacteria: Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri, Shigella boydii, and Shigella sonnei. The bacteria are typically spread through the fecal-oral route, where food or water contaminated with the bacteria is ingested.

Symptoms

The symptoms of shigellosis usually begin within 1-4 days after infection and may include:

• Diarrhea, often bloody
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloody stools
• Tenesmus (painful urination)

Transmission

Shigellosis can be spread through:

• Contaminated food or water
• Direct contact with an infected person
• Contaminated surfaces or objects
• Poor hygiene practices, such as not washing hands after using the bathroom

Risk Factors

Certain groups of people are at higher risk of developing shigellosis, including:

• Young children
• People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy
• People living in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene
• Travelers to areas where shigellosis is common

Diagnosis

Shigellosis is typically diagnosed through:

• Stool tests, such as stool culture or PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test
• Physical examination and medical history

Treatment

Treatment for shigellosis usually involves:

• Fluid replacement to prevent dehydration
• Antibiotics, such as azithromycin or ciprofloxacin, to treat the infection
• Rest and hydration

Complications

If left untreated, shigellosis can lead to complications, including:

• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Bacteremia (bacteria in the blood)
• Sepsis (life-threatening infection)
• Reactive arthritis (joint pain and inflammation)

Prevention

To prevent shigellosis, it is recommended to:

• Practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently with soap and water
• Avoid eating or drinking contaminated food or water
• Avoid close contact with people who have the infection
• Get vaccinated against shigellosis, if available