Shigella Infections: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments
News 24 8 月, 2024
Shigella is responsible for causing acute gastrointestinal infections, clinically known as bacillary dysentery. This condition arises from Shigella infection, leading to purulent ulcerative inflammation of the colonic mucosa. The inflammation can cause symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, with severe cases resulting in mucus-filled, bloody stools. While these are the most common symptoms, in rare instances, the infection can lead to systemic toxemia. In extreme cases, infectious shock or toxic encephalopathy can occur, which may be life-threatening. However, most patients experience milder symptoms that can be effectively treated with simple medical care.
Where Does Shigella Come From?
Shigella, also known as dysentery bacillus, belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family. It thrives best at a temperature of 37°C, which happens to be the normal human body temperature. Shigella can survive in fruits and vegetables for about 10 days. However, in milk, this bacterium can grow for up to 24 days, meaning that contaminated milk can remain infectious throughout its shelf life. Shigella can also survive for long periods in dark, damp, or cold environments. Despite this resilience, Shigella is not invincible; direct sunlight has an effective sterilizing effect. Heating the bacteria to 60°C for 10 minutes can kill it, and most disinfectants are also effective in eliminating it.
Can You Get Infected by Eating Contaminated Food?
Yes, both acute and chronic dysentery patients, as well as carriers, can act as sources of infection. Mild or atypical cases and chronic carriers are particularly likely to transmit the bacteria to others, as they often do not attract attention. Shigella spreads through food, water, and contact, especially by ingestion. The disease is truly one that you can “eat your way into.” During outbreak seasons, foodborne transmission is common, often involving food contaminated by Shigella via unclean hands or flies. Additionally, water sources contaminated by the feces of infected individuals or carriers can lead to widespread transmission.
How Is Shigella Treated?
If acute dysentery occurs, the first step is to stop eating solid foods and rest in bed. It is also important to rehydrate appropriately to prevent dehydration. Shigella has shown increasing resistance to various antimicrobial drugs, so treatment should involve selecting the most sensitive antibiotics based on the specific case. Generally, fluoroquinolones are effective against Shigella and have fewer side effects, making them the preferred choice for adult patients.