3 Questions
What are the clinical features of shigellosis?
Abrupt diarrhea, lower abdominal cramps, tenesmus, loose stools with blood and mucus, tender abdomen, and HLA-B27 positivity leading to reactive arthritis.
How is shigellosis diagnosed?
Shigellosis is diagnosed through stool culture, which shows shigella species with leukocytes and RBC, and sigmoidoscopy, which reveals inflamed engorged mucosa and punctate lesions or ulcers.
What is the treatment for shigellosis?
Shigellosis is treated with fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin or moxifloxacin.
Study Notes
Clinical Features of Shigellosis
- Symptoms typically begin within 1-3 days after infection and can last 5-7 days
- Diarrhea (frequent, watery, and often bloody) is the most common symptom
- Abdominal cramps, fever, vomiting, and tenesmus (painful bowel movements) are also common
- Severe cases can lead to dehydration, shock, and septicaemia, especially in children and the elderly
Diagnosis of Shigellosis
- Stool culture is the gold standard for diagnosing shigellosis
- PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) can also be used for detection
- Macroscopic and microscopic examination of stool samples can reveal the presence of Shigella
Treatment of Shigellosis
- Antimicrobial therapy (e.g., ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, and ceftriaxone) is effective in reducing symptoms and duration of illness
- Fluid and electrolyte replacement are essential to prevent dehydration
- Antidiarrheal medications may be used to manage symptoms, but antibiotics are the primary treatment
- Vaccination is not currently available for shigellosis
Test your knowledge of Shigellosis, a bacterial infection caused by Shigella species. Explore its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment in this quiz.
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