What Is Sphigellosis

WHAT IS SPHIGELLOSIS
Shigella infection (shigellosis) is an intestinal disease caused by a family

of bacteria known as shigella. The main sign of shigella infection is diarrhea, which
often is bloody. Shigella can be passed through direct contact with the bacteria in the
stool.
Shigella is a genus of bacteria that is Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, non-spore-
forming, nonmotile, rod-shaped and genetically closely related to E. coli. The genus is
named after Kiyoshi Shiga, who first discovered it in 1897.
Shigellosis is a bacterial infection that affects the digestive system.
Shigellosis is caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella.
The Shigella bacterium is spread through contaminated water and
food or through contact with contaminated feces. The bacteria
release toxins that irritate the intestines. The primary symptom of
shigellosis is diarrhea.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SPHIGELLOSIS
Frequent bouts of watery diarrhea are the main symptom of

shigellosis. Abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting may also
occur. Many people who have shigellosis also have either blood or
mucus in their stool, and they may run a fever.
Symptoms usually begin within 3 days of coming in contact

with Shigella. In some cases, however, symptoms of infection may
appear as much as a week after contact.
Diarrhea and other signs of shigellosis usually last between 2 and 7

days. Mild infection lasting a couple of days may not require
treatment. However, it’s critical to stay hydrated in between bouts of
diarrhea. Call your doctor if you have diarrhea for more than 3 days.
This is very important, especially if you cannot keep down food or
water. Dehydration is a real danger associated with shigellosis.
Treatment for Shigellosis

Combating dehydration is the main goal of treatment for most cases of
shigellosis. It is important to drink plenty of fluids, especially electrolyte
solutions, many of which are available over the counter. It is usually not
advisable to take any type of medication to relieve your diarrhea, as this
will keep the bacteria in your system longer and may make the infection
worse.
Moderate or severe infections may require medical treatment. Treatment

will usually include antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria from your digestive
tract. Your doctor may test your stool to confirm that Shigella is the source
of the infection. Confirmation of Shigella helps your doctor to choose the
right medication to fight shigellosis. Drug options include powerful
antibiotic medications, such as:
 azithromycin (Zithromax)
 ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
 sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim)
Hospitalization for shigellosis is rare. However, in some severe situations,

hospitalization is required. If you have extreme nausea and vomiting, you
may need intravenous fluids and medication.
Complications Associated
With Shigellosis
Most people have no lasting ill effects from shigellosis.
The CDC reports that approximately two percentTrusted Source of people

infected with Shigella flexneri (one of several types of Shigella) develop a
condition called post-infection arthritis after having shigellosis. Symptoms
of post-infection arthritis include joint pain, painful urination, and eye
irritation. Post-infection arthritis can become a chronic condition that lasts
several months, years, or the rest of your life. It is caused by a reaction to
the Shigella infection and happens only in people who are genetically
predisposed to it.
Can you Be Re-Infected by the
Shigella Bacteria?
Shigella is a group of several different bacteria. Once you have been
infected with one type of Shigella, you are not likely to be infected by the
same bacteria again. However, you may become infected by a different
bacterium from the same family.
Preventing Shigellosis
You can prevent shigellosis by practicing good personal hygiene. Wash your
hands before and after you use the bathroom or change a diaper. Discard
dirty diapers in a closed bag or trashcan to prevent the spread of the
bacteria. Use soap and warm water every time you wash your hands. Wipe
down changing tables and kitchen counters with antibacterial wipes before
and after use.
Avoid close personal contact with someone who is infected

with Shigella until at least 2 days after the diarrhea has ended.
People who have shigellosis should not prepare food for others until they
feel better and stop having diarrhea. Your doctor may test your stool again
after your symptoms end to be sure Shigella is no longer present.
 https://www.healthline.com/health/shigellosis
 Healthline-Written by Erica Roth
4c. Shigellosis Shigella sonnei Diarrhea, dysentery Foodborne and Antibiotics Practicing good
waterborne hand hygiene
Disease Causative Agent Signs and Symptoms Transmission Treatment Prevention
, is transmitted via the fecal–oral route, including through direct person-to-
person or sexual contact or indirectly through contaminated food, water, or
fomites. Because as few as 10 organisms can cause infection, shigellosis is
easily transmitted.

What Is Sphigellosis

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WHAT IS SPHIGELLOSIS

Shigella infection (shigellosis) is an intestinal disease caused by a family

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SPHIGELLOSIS

Frequent bouts of watery diarrhea are the main symptom of

Symptoms usually begin within 3 days of coming in contact

Diarrhea and other signs of shigellosis usually last between 2 and 7

Treatment for Shigellosis

Moderate or severe infections may require medical treatment. Treatment

Hospitalization for shigellosis is rare. However, in some severe situations,

The CDC reports that approximately two percentTrusted Source of people

Avoid close personal contact with someone who is infected

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