Dysentery

Shigellosis, also called bacillary dysentery, is caused by four species: Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri, Shigella boydii and Shigella sonnei.

Bacillary dysentery is primarily a human disease often acquired by drinking water contaminated with human faeces or by eating food washed with contaminated water.

Illness, which can result following the ingestion of 10-100 cells, is common amongst young children although infection occurs in all ages after travel to areas where hygiene is poor. The illness is characterised by diarrhoea, sometimes with blood and mucus. Invasive disease is rare but extra intestinal complications (e.g. Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome) can occur.