Shigella

Shigella is a group of bacteria that cause diarrheal illness, also known as shigellosis. It is an infectious disease that is spread through contact with contaminated food or water, or through contact with an infected person. Symptoms of shigellosis can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and bloody diarrhea. In some cases, shigellosis can lead to a severe dehydration that requires hospitalization. Treatment for shigellosis usually involves antibiotics, and in some cases, intravenous fluids. Vaccines are available to protect people from some types of Shigella. The bacteria that cause shigellosis are divided into four main species: Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri, Shigella sonnei, and Shigella boydii. Each species has several different subtypes, and some subtypes are more common than others. Shigella dysenteriae is the most common and most serious type, and is responsible for most cases of shigellosis. Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei are less common but still cause significant illness, and Shigella boydii is the least common but can still cause severe illness