Shigellosis is an acute bacterial infection characterized by (sometimes bloody)
diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Humans are the only known reservoir.
It is transmitted from person to person, and just a few organisms can
cause illness. It is important to track the incidence of this disease to limit its
transmission and prevent further spread. The rate is higher among children 1?
4 years of age. The incidence of shigellosis usually increases in late summer
and fall. Outbreaks in day care centers are common, mainly due to poor hygienic
practices of small children. Hand washing is the most important means
of prevention.
The incidence of shigellosis has been decreasing in recent years, with the exception
of the year 2000, when a multi-state outbreak associated with 5-layer
party dip occurred. In 2002, over half of the cases were due to S. sonnei, and
about a quarter were due to S. flexneri. Treatment reduces duration of illness,
but the organism has become resistant to many antibiotics used for empiric
therapy. Testing for antibiotic susceptibility is important for treatment.
Shigellosis
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