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It’s another form of bacteria infected disease in man. This is known as bacillary dysentery in its more severe form. Like most bacterial infections it’s a food borne disease caused by infection of bacteria at the genus. In the United States shigellosis accounts for the more than 10% of all reported food borne illness. Unlike other bacterial infections shigellosis occurs only in humans and other related species like the monkeys and chimpanzees. The main root bacteria which causes this disease is found in water that is polluted by fecal matter of humans. There have been more than 18000 cases of shigellosis occurring everyday.
Symptoms of Shigellosis
Symptoms of shigellosis depend on the harshness of the infection. If the infection is mild the person might be suffering from mild abdominal discomfort. However if the condition is serious symptoms include
1. Cramping
2. Diarrhea
3. Fever
4. Vomiting
5. Rectal bleeding
6. Drastic dehydration
Shigella can be transmitted through food. Some of the common foods known to act as carriers of
Shigella include potato, tuna ,shrimp and chicken salads.
Treatment of Shigellosis: Shigellosis is a bacteria infected disease hence treatment also should be directed on the causative bacteria. The most common treatment for shigellosis is a dose of antibacterial medicine. Some of the most common form of antibacterial drugs used in this regard includes
1.Bactrim (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole)
2.Cipro(ciprofloxacin)
Normally doctors prescribe a dose for 7 to 10 days. Also this prescription drugs much be supplemented by treatment of dehydration and hypertension. Some times these supplementary treatments go a long way in saving the patients life. Also antispasmodics should be taken whenever cramps are severe.
Prevention of Shigellosis:
Prevention is always better than cure hence making slight lifestyle changes goes a long way in prevention of the disease. Always make it a habit of cleaning your hands before preparation of food. Also if you are away from home and having food outside make sure that the food has been prepared in clean containers. If under any condition you are not sure about the quality of the products always stick to tin food or processed food.
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