Shigella dysenteriae
Shigella dysenteriae: A Devastating Bacterial Pathogen
Description
Shigella dysenteriae is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that causes shigellosis, also known as bacillary dysentery. It is one of the most virulent Shigella species and is responsible for the most severe form of the disease.
Shigella dysenteriae produces a potent toxin called Shiga toxin, which is responsible for the characteristic symptoms of shigellosis, including:
- Severe diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloody stools
Associated Diseases
Shigellosis is primarily an intestinal infection, but in severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as:
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS): A condition that causes the destruction of red blood cells, leading to kidney failure. HUS is most common in children and the elderly.
- Reactive arthritis: A type of joint inflammation that can occur weeks or months after a Shigella infection.
- Sepsis: A life-threatening condition that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream.
Did you Know ?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), shigellosis causes an estimated 165 million cases and 1 million deaths annually worldwide.
