Shigellosis, also known as bacillary dysentery in its most severe manifestation, is a foodborne illness caused by infection by bacteria of the genus Shigella. It accounts for less than 10% of the reported outbreaks of foodborne illness in the USA. Shigellosis rarely occurs in animals; it is principally a disease of humans and other primates such as monkeys and chimpanzees. The causative organism is frequently found in water polluted with human feces, and is transmitted via the fecal-oral route.
Infections are associated with mucosal ulceration, rectal bleeding, drastic dehydration; fatality may be as high as 10-15% with some strains. Reiter's disease, reactive arthritis, and hemolytic uremic syndrome are possible sequelae that have been reported in the aftermath of shigellosis.
More on [ Shigellosis ]
Food and Water Borne :: Conditions and Diseases

Bad Bug Book: Shigella spp. - Includes cause, associated foods, complications, and outbreaks.
Meta Description: [ Provides basic information about Shigella spp. ]
Kidshealth: Shigellosis - Includes cause, treatment, symptoms, and prevention.
Meta Description: [ Shigella is a type of bacteria that infects the intestinal tract and can cause mild to severe diarrhea. ]
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Shigella Enteritis - Features cause, risk factors, symptoms, complications, prevention, and treatment.
Medmicro: Shigella - Medical and scientific information about the bacteria and the disease it causes.
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Shigella - Shigella bacteria details, laboratory indications.
Shigella: An Infectious Foodborne Illness - Fact sheet from Ohio State University Extension about this germ which causes an infectious disease.
Meta Description: [ Shigella is a germ (one of the bacteria) that causes an infectious disease. This disease can be treated and most people get better quickly. Severe ]
Shigellosis - General Information - Frequently asked questions list about shigella and shigellosis.
The Merck Manual: Shigellosis - Features symptoms, cause, treatment, and prevention.
WHO: Shigella - Factsheet with disease and vaccine information.
| Insidermedicine in 60 - August 20, 2007 | |