Shigella Bacteria

Shigella, a genus of bacteria responsible for shigellosis, ranks as the second most common cause of diarrhea globally, following Rotavirus, and is the third leading cause of mortality in children under 5.

Possible symptoms of Shigella infection include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, which can persist for up to seven days.

Shigella is typically spread through contaminated food or water, as well as through direct contact between individuals.

1–4 days is the incubation period of this shigellosis.

Humans are affected by four types of Shigella: sonnei, flexneri, boydii, and dysenteriae, with dysenteriae causing the most severe disease due to its toxin.

Maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance is the key to treating shigella.