Definition:
Shigellosis is an infectious disease affecting the intestinal tract, which can be transmitted through oral and fecal route. It is mainly considered as a food borne illness. The condition may be severe especially with child patients. It is usually predominant in places with poor hygiene because the causative organism is mostly found in water contaminated with human feces.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of signs and symptoms in addition to stool examination for occult blood are necessary in achieving diagnosis for Shigellosis.
Treatment:
One of the first lines in treating Shigellosis is to replace the body fluid and electrolytes loss during diarrhea. This should be first hand in addition to the prescribed antibiotics aimed at treating and avoid spreading the infection in the body of the patient.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms of Shigellosis may vary from mild abdominal discomfort to advanced dysentery. In the presence of this condition the following symptoms can be observed 15 to 20 hours after infection:
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Stools may come with pus, blood or mucus
• Inability or difficulty in emptying the bowel during defecation (tenesmus)
Causes:
Shigellosis is caused by the Shigella bacteria, which are frequently present in water contaminated with human feces. Unsanitary handling of food can also be considered as one way of contamination.
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