Shigellosis Overview:
Nature of the Disease:
- Definition: Shigellosis is an intestinal infectious disease primarily caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Shigella.
- Clinical Features: Characterized by the hallmark symptoms of bloody diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
Onset and Progression:
- Incubation Period: Following contamination, the symptoms typically manifest a day or two post-exposure.
- Disease Course: In the majority of cases, Shigellosis exhibits a self-limiting nature, with resolution occurring within 5 to 7 days.
Clinical Manifestations:
1. Bloody Diarrhea:
Description: Prominent manifestation characterized by the presence of blood in stools, indicative of inflammatory changes in the intestines.
Pathophysiology: The invasion of Shigella bacteria leads to mucosal damage, contributing to the observed bloody diarrhea.
2. Fever:
Clinical Significance: Patients commonly experience an elevation in body temperature, reflecting the systemic response to the infection.
Immunological Response: Fever is a manifestation of the body’s immune system mobilizing to combat the invading Shigella bacteria.
3. Stomach Cramps:
Location: Abdominal discomfort is localized to the stomach region, often presenting as cramps.
Etiology: Resulting from the inflammatory response in the intestinal mucosa, leading to spasmodic contractions.
Resolution:
- Spontaneous Recovery: In the majority of cases, Shigellosis undergoes spontaneous resolution within the mentioned timeframe.
- Duration of Symptoms: The disease course typically spans 5 to 7 days, during which symptomatic relief is observed.
Verified by: Dr.Diab (February 3, 2024)
Citation: Dr.Diab. (February 3, 2024). Shigellosis Overview. Medcoi Journal of Medicine, 3(2). urn:medcoi:article32197.
There are no comments yet
Or use one of these social networks