Shigellosis (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Shigellosis is an acute bacterial infection of the lining of the [[intestine]]s. | |||
==What are the symptoms of Shigellosis?== | |||
Symptoms usually develop about 1 to 7 days (average 3 days) after you come in contact with the bacteria. | |||
Symptoms include: | |||
* Acute (sudden) [[abdominal pain]] or cramping | |||
* Acute (sudden) [[fever]] | |||
* Blood, mucus, or pus in stool | |||
* Crampy rectal pain ([[tenesmus]]) | |||
* [[Nausea]] and [[vomiting]] | |||
* Watery [[diarrhea]] | |||
==What causes Shigellosis?== | ==What causes Shigellosis?== | ||
Shigellosis is caused by a group of bacteria called [[Shigella]]. | |||
There are several types of Shigella. | |||
* ''Shigella sonnei'', also called "group D" ''Shigella'', is responsible for most cases of shigellosis in the United States. | |||
* ''Shigella flexneri'', or "group B" ''Shigella'', cause almost all other cases. | |||
* ''Shigella dysenteriae'' type 1 is rare in the U.S. but can lead to deadly outbreaks in developing countries. | |||
People infected with the bacteria release it into their stool. The bacteria can spread from an infected person to contaminate water or food, or directly to another person. Getting just a little bit of the Shigella bacteria into your mouth is enough to cause symptoms. | |||
==Who is at highest risk?== | ==Who is at highest risk?== | ||
Outbreaks of shigellosis are associated with poor sanitation, contaminated food and water, and crowded living conditions. | |||
Shigellosis is common among travelers in developing countries and workers or residents of refugee camps. | |||
The condition is most commonly seen in day care centers and group living places. | |||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Revision as of 15:52, 21 November 2012
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Assosciate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Prashanth Saddala M.B.B.S
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Shigellosis |
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Shigellosis On the Web |
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here.
Overview
Shigellosis is an acute bacterial infection of the lining of the intestines.
What are the symptoms of Shigellosis?
Symptoms usually develop about 1 to 7 days (average 3 days) after you come in contact with the bacteria.
Symptoms include:
- Acute (sudden) abdominal pain or cramping
- Acute (sudden) fever
- Blood, mucus, or pus in stool
- Crampy rectal pain (tenesmus)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Watery diarrhea
What causes Shigellosis?
Shigellosis is caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella.
There are several types of Shigella.
- Shigella sonnei, also called "group D" Shigella, is responsible for most cases of shigellosis in the United States.
- Shigella flexneri, or "group B" Shigella, cause almost all other cases.
- Shigella dysenteriae type 1 is rare in the U.S. but can lead to deadly outbreaks in developing countries.
People infected with the bacteria release it into their stool. The bacteria can spread from an infected person to contaminate water or food, or directly to another person. Getting just a little bit of the Shigella bacteria into your mouth is enough to cause symptoms.
Who is at highest risk?
Outbreaks of shigellosis are associated with poor sanitation, contaminated food and water, and crowded living conditions.
Shigellosis is common among travelers in developing countries and workers or residents of refugee camps.
The condition is most commonly seen in day care centers and group living places.