Pathogens
Shigella species

Shigella species

Susceptibilities

General Information

Aerobic Gram negative bacillus

  • Transmission by fecal-oral route; person to person spread is common due to low infective dose.
  • Can also be transmitted by contaminated water, food, flies, and swimming pools.
  • Often travel related.
  • Can cause outbreaks (e.g. day care).
  • Infectious colitis - dysenteric
  • Hemolyitc uremic syndrome
  • Reactive Arthritis
  • Bacteremia
  • Intra-abdominal abscess

Most require treatment. Use of antimicrobials shortens duration of illness & shedding, which decreases risk of transmission.

Food handlers require proof of clearance before return to work.