Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staff- Age. Shigella infection is most common in children between the ages of 2 and 4.
- Group housing or activities. Close contact with other people spreads the bacteria from person to person. Shigella outbreaks are more common in child care centers, nursing homes, jails and military barracks.
- Lack of sanitation. People who live or travel in developing countries are more likely to contract shigella infection.
- Sexual orientation. Men who have sex with men are at higher risk.
References
- Goldberg MB. Shigellosis. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/184126838-3/954613481/1492/1159.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50335-9--cesec5_14340. Accessed Jan. 28, 2010.
- Shigellosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdcc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/shigellosis_gi.html. Accessed Jan. 28, 2010.
- Ashkenazi S, et al. Shigella species. In: Long SS, et al. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/184126838-3/954613481/1679/151.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06687-0..50150-8_2975. Accessed Jan. 28, 2010.
- Fort GG, et al. Shigellosis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/184126838-3/954613481/2088/602.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00028-9--s2235_12359. Accessed Jan. 28, 2010.
- Gianella RA. Invasive pathogens. In: Feldman M., et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/184126838-3/954613481/1389/778.html#. Accessed Jan. 28, 2010.
- Steckelberg JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 3, 2010.

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