Shigellosis

Shigellosis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by one of four species of Shigella.

Shigella was found to be one of the top four attributable pathogens overall in children younger than 5 years of age with moderate to severe diarrhea.

Shigella is transmitted via the fecal–oral route, through direct person-to-person contact, or indirectly through contaminated food or water.

Symptoms of Shigella infection vary from mild, watery diarrhea to severe abdominal pain, and blood and mucus in the stools.

Shigella bacteria cause disease by invading the human lower intestine (colon) and causing intense inflammation and epithelial  destruction.

Symptoms usually begin 1–2 days after infection and last 7 days. Most people recover without needing antibiotics. However, people with severe illness and those with underlying conditions that weaken the immune system should be given antibiotics.