Shigella
Shigella: The Silent Saboteur of Your Gut
Experiencing sudden, severe diarrhea with abdominal cramps and fever? It might not be just a stomach bug. Shigella, a group of bacteria notorious for causing shigellosis, could be the culprit behind your misery. Let‘s delve into what Shigella is, how it spreads, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself.
Understanding Shigella: The Basics
Shigella bacteria are highly contagious and primarily reside in the intestines of humans. They spread easily through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with an infected person. Even a tiny amount of Shigella bacteria can trigger a full-blown infection, making it a formidable foe.
How Does Shigella Invade Your Body?
Once Shigella bacteria enter your body, they make a beeline for your intestinal cells, where they multiply and cause inflammation. This leads to a cascade of symptoms, including:
- Diarrhea (often bloody)
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tenesmus (feeling of incomplete bowel emptying)
While most people recover from shigellosis within a week, severe cases can lead to complications like dehydration, seizures, and even a rare but serious kidney problem called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
Did You Know?
Shigella bacteria are named after Kiyoshi Shiga, the Japanese scientist who first discovered them in 1897 during a major dysentery outbreak in Japan.
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