Shigella infection, also known as shigellosis, is a type of bacterial infection that affects the digestive system. It is caused by the Shigella bacteria and is most commonly spread through contaminated food or water, or through contact with infected fecal matter.

Symptoms of shigella infection usually appear within a few days of exposure to the bacteria and can include:

• Diarrhea, which may be bloody
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Dehydration

In some cases, shigella infection can lead to more serious complications, particularly in young children and older adults, such as dehydration, seizures, and kidney failure.

Treatment for shigella infection typically involves managing symptoms, such as staying hydrated and resting, and may also involve antibiotics to kill the bacteria. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

Prevention of shigella infection involves practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently, particularly after using the bathroom or changing a diaper, and avoiding sharing personal items like towels or utensils. It is also important to properly cook and store food and to only drink clean, safe water.

Infection occurs when you accidentally swallow shigella bacteria. This can happen when you:

• Touch your mouth. Direct person-to-person contact is the most common way the disease is spread. For example, if you don't wash your hands well after changing the diaper of a child who has shigella infection, you may become infected yourself.
• Eat contaminated food. Infected people who handle food can spread the bacteria to people who eat the food. Food can also become infected with shigella bacteria if it grows in a field that contains sewage.
• Swallow contaminated water. Water may become infected with shigella bacteria either from sewage or from a person with shigella infection swimming in it.

Although researchers continue to work to develop a shigella vaccine, nothing is available yet. To prevent the spread of shigella:

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds frequently
• Watch small children when they wash their hands
• Throw away soiled diapers properly
• Disinfect diaper-changing areas after use
• Don't prepare food for others if you have diarrhea
• Keep children with diarrhea home from child care, play groups or school
• Avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes or untreated pools
• Avoid sexual activity with anyone who has diarrhea or who recently recovered from diarrhea
• Don't go swimming until you have fully recovered.

Shigella infection usually runs its course in five to seven days. Replacing lost fluids from diarrhea may be all the treatment you need, particularly if your general health is good and your shigella infection is mild.

Over-the-counter drugs

Talk to your doctor before taking an over-the-counter (OTC) drug intended to treat diarrhea. Diarrhea can be caused by a number of conditions, and OTC drugs may make some conditions worse.

If a lab test has confirmed that you have shigella infection, an OTC drug containing bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate) may help decrease the frequency of your stools and shorten the length of your illness. However, it isn't recommended for children, pregnant women or people who are allergic to aspirin.

Avoid taking OTC anti-motility drugs, such as loperamide (Imodium) and drugs containing the combination of diphenoxylate and atropine (Lomotil). These aren't recommended for shigella infection because they can decrease your body's ability to clear the bacteria and make your condition worse.

Antibiotics

For severe shigella infection, antibiotics may shorten the length of the illness. However, some shigella bacteria have become drug resistant. So your doctor may not recommend antibiotics unless your shigella infection is severe.

Antibiotics may also be necessary for infants, older adults and people who have HIV infection, as well as in situations where there's a high risk of spreading the disease.

Fluid and salt replacement

For generally healthy adults, drinking water may be enough to counteract the dehydrating effects of diarrhea.

Children may benefit from an oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte, available in drugstores. Many pharmacies carry their own brands.

Children and adults who are severely dehydrated need treatment in a hospital emergency room, where they can receive salts and fluids through a vein (intravenously), rather than by mouth. Intravenous hydration provides the body with water and essential nutrients much more quickly than oral solutions do.