Shigella food poisoning is an intestinal illness caused by bacteria of the group (genus) Shigella. Food that has been contaminated by infected feces is a source of the bacteria. Food may be contaminated by preparers who do not follow proper procedures for hand-washing or in fields in which water containing sewage is present.
Shigella Food Poisoning
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Shigella food poisoning is caused by bacteria of a biological group (genus) named Shigella. The bacteria exist in the feces of infected individuals and may be transferred to other people through contaminated food. If a person consumes food that has been contaminated by Shigella bacteria, symptoms of the food poisoning usually occur within 12 to 50 hours.
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The common symptoms of Shigella food poisoning, which range from mild to severe, include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Diarrhea is sometimes bloody as a result of the bacterial infection of the intestines. Additional complications, including seizure and dehydration, may occur in severe cases. Shigella food poisoning can become life-threatening.
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After entering the body in contaminated food, Shigella group bacteria infect cells that line the inside of the intestines and often produce a toxin. The toxin affects both the intestines and the nervous system. Cells of the intestinal lining are damaged, which causes inflammation and bleeding. The infected person experiences diarrhea (possibly bloody), abdominal cramps, and small stools. Effects of the toxin on the nervous system commonly include fever and rarely other symptoms, such as seizure. Nervous system symptoms are most severe in young children.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered
Shigella food poisoning occurs when food contaminated with Shigella bacteria is consumed. Factors that increase the risk for getting Shigella food poisoning include eating uncooked foods, such as fruits and vegetables, especially those that have not been washed thoroughly or peeled. Other factors that increase the risk include traveling to developing countries where sanitation and food-preparation standards may be low and eating in places, such as child-care centers, where Shigella outbreaks are more common.
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Shigella food poisoning is diagnosed by testing a stool sample for Shigella bacteria. A sample is collected and then taken to a medical laboratory. The sample is cultured and tested for the indicative bacteria.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered
People having mild Shigella food poisoning with diarrhea require only rehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. Electrolyte solutions, available in most drug stores, may also be helpful, especially for children and other more vulnerable individuals. People having severe symptoms are treated with various antibiotics and may be admitted to a hospital where fluids can be administered intravenously.
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Shigella food poisoning is caused by various bacteria of the biological group (genus) Shigella. Certain antibiotic drugs kill the bacteria, which then relieves the negative symptoms. An effective antibiotic drug for the particular bacteria should be determined by a doctor.
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At present, Shigella food poisoning is usually only treated conventionally with rehydration and, in some cases, administration of antibiotics. There is substantial work toward the development and approval of a vaccine. At this time, however, no vaccine is available.
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Shigella food poisoning can be prevented by using good food preparation practices. Food preparers should wash their hands with hot soapy water after using the bathroom and should not prepare food when suffering symptoms of an intestinal illness. Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly, particularly if they will not be cooked.