Shigella infection is the third most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in the United States, after Salmonella infection and Campylobacter infection and ahead of E. coli O157 infection.
There are several types of Shigella bacteria, including.
- Shigella sonnei, also called “group D” Shigella, is responsible for most cases of shigellosis in the United States.
- Shigella flexneri, or “group B” Shigella, causes almost all other cases.
- Shigella dysenteriae,or “group A” Shigella is rare in the U.S., but can lead to deadly outbreaks in developing countries.
Shigella is one of the most communicable and severe forms of the bacterial-induced diarrheas. No group of individuals is immune to shigellosis, but certain individuals are at increased risk. Small children acquire Shigella at the highest rate, and persons infected with HIV experience shigellosis much more commonly than other individuals. Most who are infected with Shigella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps starting a day or two after they are exposed to the bacteria. Shigellosis usually resolves in 5 to 7 days. Some people who are infected may have no symptoms at all, but may still pass the Shigella bacteria to others. Getting just a little bit of the Shigella bacteria into your mouth is enough to cause infection.
Symptoms
- Acute (sudden) abdominal pain or cramping
- Acute fever
- Blood, mucus, or pus in the stool
- Crampy rectal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Watery diarrhea
Prevention
- Carefully washing your hands with soap before eating and after changing a diaper.
- Avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes, or untreated swimming pools.
- When traveling internationally, follow food and water precautions strictly and wash hands with soap frequently.
- Avoid sexual activity with those who have diarrhea or who recently recovered from diarrhea.
Test options
A.I.I Panel : Acute intestinal Infections Panel
Learn more about Shigella
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000295.htm
http://www.about-shigella.com/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shigella/basics/definition/con-20028418
