Bacillary Dysentery Infection

Bacillary dysentery, also called shigellosis, is an inflammatory intestinal infection caused by the Shigella bacteria. The condition, often accompanied by diarrhea, is common worldwide, and can be life-threatening in places with unsanitary conditions and limited access to medical treatment.

Contamination

• Shigella bacteria are acquired through the mouth via fecal matter. People usually become infected by consuming contaminated food or water.

Contagion

• Shigella bacteria can be transmitted from person to person, often when someone doesn't wash his hands after going to the bathroom, and then shakes hands with another. This is common among children.

Symptoms

• The primary symptom of bacillary dysentery is severe diarrhea, which may be watery and contain blood and mucus. The infected person also may have a fever, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting.

Affected Populations

• In developing countries, shigellosis is common because of problems with sewage disposal and drinking water. In developed countries, most cases involve children under age 5.

Treatment

• There is no cure, but the symptoms should be treated. The sufferer should stay hydrated and electrolytes continually replaced. Severe cases require hospital treatment.

Prevalence

• About 140 million people worldwide develop shigellosis each year, according to Aetna InteliHealth. Of those, about 600,000 cases are fatal. Most deaths occur in young children in developing countries. About 20,000 cases are reported in the United States each year.