Shigella

characteristics of the bacteria

gram negative rods, nonmotile, non endospore forming, no urase or HS2, human parasite primarily, produces similar diseases that vary in intensity, resembles pathogenic e. coli

transmission route

oral route, person to person contact. ID10 to 200

enhanced by malnutrition, lax sanitation and crowding.

spread in close contact spaces, like day cares, military camps and mental institutions.

dysentery

diarrhea containing blood.

pathogenesis and virulence factors

• invades villlus of large intestine

• enters through peyer’s patches

• initiates inflammatory responses

enterotoxin

exotoxin that affects GI tract, damages mucosa and villi.

shigatoxin

responsible for damage to the intestine and systemic effects

sings and symptoms

• frequent stool

• watery stool

• fever

• intense abdominal pain

• nausea and vomiting

• bloody stool

• mucous stool

prevention and treatment

• good food hygiene

• if immunocompromised, ciprofloxacin

• usualy no treatment is needed