Shigellosis - Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Complications, Diagnosis, and Prevention

Introduction

Shigellosis is a common bacterial infection more prevalent in developing countries. Shigellosis is transmitted through eating contaminated food, direct person-to-person contact, and poor hygiene. It can occur in all age groups but is more common among children. It is caused by a group of gram-negative anaerobic bacteria called shigella. Shigellosis is also called bacillary dysentery.

What Is Shigellosis and How Is It Transmitted?

Shigellosis is a contagious infection caused by shigella bacteria which results in symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain in the affected individuals.

The mode of transmission of shigellosis is the fecal-oral route, that is the person gets the infection when they eat or drink contaminated food or water and through contaminated feces of an infected individual. It can also be sexually transmitted, especially in men having sexual contact with men. After ingestion of the bacteria, it enters the large intestine where it causes cell injury resulting in the release of enterotoxins. These toxins cause impaired absorption of nutrients resulting in shigella-induced diarrhea.

What Are the Symptoms of Shigellosis?

The symptoms might take about one or two days to show up after the exposure to the bacteria. In some patients, it might also take more than one week to show symptoms. The most commonly known symptoms of shigellosis are:

• Abdominal cramps.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Watery diarrhea.

• Fever.

• Tenesmus is an urge to poop even when the bowel is empty.

• Loss of appetite and tiredness.
• Severe but rare symptoms of shigellosis include seizures, delirium, anuria, meningismus, and coma.

In complicated conditions, patients tend to have dehydration issues, and in such cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately.

What Are the Causes of Shigellosis?

The accidental exposure to Shigella can happen due to the following reasons.

• Drinking Contaminated Water: This can happen when a person who is swimming in a public pool tends to accidentally drink water that is contaminated.

• Eating Food That Is Contaminated: It is possible for an infected person to spread the infection by sharing food with others.

• Poor Hygiene: Improper practice of hand wash techniques can make many microorganisms stay in the hands. These microorganisms can enter the body through the mouth and can cause severe infections.

What Are the Risk Factors for Shigellosis?

The risk factors associated with Shigellosis are:

• Travelers. People who travel a lot lack proper sanitization and are highly prone to Shigellosis.

• Social Gathering or Group Activities. This is the time when a person is exposed to many people, and so there are possibilities for others to spread the infection.

• Homosexual Men. Men who tend to have sexual contact with other men have a higher risk for Shigellosis because of their activity that involves oral and anal contact either in a direct or indirect manner.

• Young age. Young children may get infected easily when they put their hands in their mouths after touching contaminated things.

• Persons With a Weakened Immune System. Shigellosis is more easily transmissible in immunocompromised individuals like HIV-positive (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) patients or cancer patients under chemotherapy medications.

What Are the Complications of Shigellosis?

The complication of Shigellosis includes the following:

• Dehydration.

• Reactive arthritis.

• Bacteremia.

• Rectal prolapse.

• Toxic megacolon.

• Hemolytic uremic syndrome.

• Seizure.

How Is Shigellosis Diagnosed?

The diagnosis for Shigellosis might require a sample of the stool from the infected person. This will indicate the occurrence of toxins in the body. Also, the Shigella bacteria can be identified if it is present.

What Are the Treatment Options for Shigellosis?

Treatment for Shigellosis aims to replace fluids that are lost in diarrhea. Lifestyle changes should also be made.

• Medications: It is necessary to take over the counter drugs for treatment for diarrhea. This can prevent the condition from worsening. Over the counter medications should include a drug that contains bismuth subsalicylate. This will help in reducing the frequency of stools. These drugs are not recommended for pregnant women and young children. The patient can also choose to have antimotility drugs like Loperamide. Antibiotics can help a person to recover faster. They are useful for both infants and older adults. HIV patients are highly benefited by consuming antibiotics.

• Replacement of Fluids and Salts: Only individuals who have severe dehydration require hospitalization. In patients who have mild symptoms, drinking water in higher quantities can help. Children can be given rehydration solutions for hydration of the body. Essential nutrients can also be supplied to the individual. Fruit juices can also serve as a supplement for the hydration process. But care should be taken to see that the fruit does not irritate the intestine again.

What Are the Precautionary Measures for Shigellosis?

By following a few tips, it is possible to prevent infections with Shigellosis.

• Take proper care of children and monitor whether they wash their hands properly. Since they belong to a high-risk category, they should avoid playing in dirty areas.

• It is necessary to wash the hands with soap and water for a duration of 20 seconds. It should be practiced on a regular basis.

• Make sure to throw the diapers that are soiled properly. It is necessary to disinfect the area where the diapers are changed.

• Do not cook food for others if a person is suffering from diarrhea.

• If the child is suffering from symptoms of diarrhea, then it is essential to keep them isolated at home rather than making them mingle with other students at school.

• Avoid using water in public swimming pools and also do not drink water from the swimming pool.

• Do not have sexual intercourse with a person who is suffering from diarrhea.

• Always drink water that is boiled.

• Wash the hands thoroughly before and after eating food. It is necessary to wash them using restrooms.

• Avoid sitting in public places often.

• Avoid eating outside foods and the ones that could irritate the digestive system.

Conclusion

Shigellosis is a highly contagious bacterial infection. Prompt medical attention and appropriate antibiotic treatment are essential in managing the symptoms and preventing the spread of shigellosis. Practicing good hygiene and maintaining clean water and sanitation systems, and avoiding contaminated foods helps to reduce the risk of infection.