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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffShigella infection (shigellosis) is an intestinal disease caused by a family of bacteria known as shigella. The main sign of shigella infection is diarrhea, which often is bloody.
Shigella can be passed through direct contact with the bacteria in the stool, such as in a child care setting when staff members don't wash their hands adequately when changing diapers or assisting toddlers with toilet training. Shigella bacteria also can be passed in contaminated food or by drinking or swimming in contaminated water.
Children between the ages of 2 and 4 are most likely to get shigella infection. A mild case usually clears up on its own within a week. When shigella infection requires treatment, doctors generally prescribe antibiotics.
- 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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