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Shigella (Bacillary Dysentery)

A bacterial infection caused by Shigella species, presenting with bloody-mucoid diarrhea and dysentery.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Shigella (Bacillary Dysentery)?

Shigella infection (shigellosis, bacillary dysentery) is an invasive bacterial enteritis and colitis caused by gram-negative rod bacteria of the genus Shigella (S. dysenteriae, S. flexneri, S. boydii, S. sonnei). It is transmitted via the fecal-oral route.

The disease presents with sudden onset high fever, abdominal pain, tenesmus, and typically bloody-mucoid diarrhea (dysentery). It can lead to complications such as febrile seizures, hemolytic uremic syndrome, reactive arthritis, and intestinal perforation in children.

Due to the low infectious dose (10-100 bacteria), close person-to-person contact is an important transmission route. Diagnosis is made by stool culture; treatment is with supportive fluid therapy and appropriate antibiotics.

Symptoms

High fever and chills
Severe abdominal pain and tenesmus
Bloody-mucoid diarrhea (dysentery)
Nausea and vomiting
Weakness and loss of appetite
Febrile seizures in children
Signs of dehydration

Risk Factors

Inadequate sanitation and hand hygiene
Consumption of contaminated food and water
Daycare, dormitories, and communal living areas
Increased transmission risk in MSM
Travel (to developing countries)
Pediatric age (especially 1-5 years)
Immunosuppression

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Bloody diarrhea and high fever
  • Severe abdominal pain and tenesmus
  • Signs of dehydration
  • Convulsions in newborns and young children
  • Bloody diarrhea lasting more than 3 days

Treatment Methods

01
Fluid-electrolyte support (oral or intravenous)
02
Appropriate antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, ceftriaxone)
03
Avoidance of motility-reducing drugs (loperamide)
04
Isolation and hand hygiene (transmission prevention)
05
Restriction of return to daycare and school
06
Food safety and safe water supply

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.