About Shigellosis
Shigellosis is caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. The bacteria spread through contaminated food, water, or surfaces.
- Non-modifiable risk factors (factors that cannot be controlled or changed) for Shigellosis include:
- Younger age: Children younger than 5 years old are more susceptible to the infection.
- Underlying medical conditions that weaken the immune system.
- Modifiable risk factors (factors that can be controlled or changed) for Shigellosis include:
- Poor hygiene practices, such as not washing hands properly after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
- Close contact with a person who is sick with Shigella infection, including sexual activity.
- Travel to areas with poor sanitation that may make water and food unsafe.
- Eating uncooked vegetables and shellfish: These food have a higher risk of Shigella contamination; however, any food or drink can be contaminated.
People with Shigella infection usually start experiencing symptoms 1 to 2 days after contact with the germ. Common symptoms of Shigellosis include:
- Diarrhea: For some people, diarrhea can be bloody and prolonged (lasting more than 3 days)
- Fever, including high fever (102.4F or higher)
- Stomach pain
- Cramping or feeling the need to pass stool (poop) even when the bowels are empty.
For many people, symptoms last about a week. In some cases, symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to over 4 weeks before returning to normal bowel habits. People with bloody diarrhea, high fever, severe stomach cramps, or unable to drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration should contact their healthcare provider for advice.
To diagnose Shigellosis, healthcare providers may perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Medical history and physical examination by a doctor to assess symptoms and signs, such as abdominal pain and fever. They will ask about recent travel to developing countries or contact with individuals with severe diarrhea.
- Laboratory tests, such as taking a swab of the rectum or a stool sample.
- Blood tests may be necessary if there are signs of dehydration or significant blood loss.
Additional examinations, tests, and procedures may include:
- Culture or culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDT) on stool specimens to identify the presence and type of Shigella bacteria.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing if antibiotic treatment is planned due to increasing antimicrobial-resistant shigellosis.
Treatment for Shigellosis aims to:
- Reduce the severity of symptoms
- Prevent potentially lethal complications
- Shorten the duration of fecal excretion of the Shigella bacteria
Treatment of Shigellosis may include:
- Self-care: Many people with mild Shigellosis can treat it at home. This may include:
- Hydrate: Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea and vomiting.
- Rest: Getting enough rest helps the body recover and fight off the infection more effectively.
- Over-the-counter medication: Bismuth subsalicylate (example: Pepto-Bismol) may help improve diarrhea. It is important to not use antidiarrhea medications like loperamide (example: Imodium) that slow movement of stool through the bowel because this keeps the Shigella bacteria in the body.
- Antibiotics: These are prescribed to fight the bacterial infection. Antibiotics are not generally needed; however may be recommended for people with weak immune systems or prolonged severe symptoms.
- Proper hygiene: Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water can help prevent spreading the infection to others and reduce the risk of reinfection.
Shigellosis typically resolves on its own within 5 to 7 days. However, in some cases, complications may arise. Complications include:
- Post-infectious arthritis: This can lead to joint pain and chronic arthritis.
- Bloodstream infections: Bloodstream infections are rare but can occur in individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Seizures: These may occur in young children but usually resolve without treatment.
- Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS): HUS is a severe complication that affects the kidneys.
Proper treatment can help cure the infection, slow its progression, and reduce the likelihood of complications associated with Shigellosis. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations.