Long-Term Complications of Shigella

Shigella is a common bacteria that causes dysentery and flu-like symptoms for up to a week. According to The Encyclopedia of the Digestive System and Digestive Disorders, there are approximately 450,000 cases of shigellosis (infection with Shigella organisms) each year in the United States, but it occurs worldwide. Although most people recover completely, some individuals can experience long-term effects.

Transmission

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Bacterial gastrointestinal infections continue to cause illness and death and contribute to economic loss in most parts of the world, including high-income countries that have developed surveillance and control programs." The main ways that Shigella can be transmitted are person-to-person or by contaminated food or water. The bacteria can be spread by food workers who did not wash their hands after using the toilet, as well as contaminated swimming pools lakes and drinking water. There is a high risk of outbreaks in daycare centers and psychiatric institutions, with the most common form of the bacteria in the United States, Canada and other developed countries being Shigella sonnei, or S. sonnei.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of Shigella look similar to the flu, but can last as long as five to seven days, with symptoms occurring one to seven days after the person is infected. Although the severity varies, the symptoms can include: fever; bloody or watery diarrhea that occurs frequently; nausea and vomiting; abdominal pain; and tiredness and weakness, according to The Encyclopedia of the Digestive System and Digestive Disorders.

Solution

• Although symptoms may point to Shigellosis, a doctor will need to confirm this with stool tests. Once it is confirmed, a doctor may either advise the patient to let it take its course or antibiotics may be prescribed to speed the recovery. Also, as with any symptoms that cause dehydration, the patient will need to stay hydrated, possibly with an enhanced electrolyte type of drink, and rest as much as possible.

Effects

• The effects of Shigellosis can vary. Some individuals recover completely with no further problems. Others, however, may develop complications as a result of the infection. "An episode of acute enteric infection involving extraintestinal organs can also lead to complications and trigger chronic disease. Complications include irritable bowel syndrome, reactive arthritis, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). There may be other, perhaps unusual and less documented, late effects of acute enteric infections, such as inflammatory bowel disease," according to the CDC. The Encyclopedia of the Digestive System and Digestive Disorders echoes these findings, saying that some individuals have bowel problems for months afterward, and that several complications may occur, some of which may be life-threatening, including: proctitus (inflammation of the rectum), bowel obstruction or perforation, bacteremia (bacterial spread to the blood), malnutrition, dehydration, and seizures. It also stated that an infection of S. flexneri could worsen and cause Reiter's syndrome, a medical problem that may lead to chronic arthritis and to painful urination (urethritis).

Prevention

• Countries that are not developed and have notoriously dirty or contaminated water are going to pose a risk for Shigella. Even swimming in water could be a risk, as it can get into your mouth. In general, make sure that any water that goes in your mouth is safe, or at least chlorinated, even when swimming in a pool, pond or lake. Always wash your hands, but do so especially after changing diapers or using the restroom. Teach children to wash their hands as well. In addition, use proper cooking and refrigeration methods when dealing with food.

Additional Tips

• If you suspect you have been infected with Shigella bacteria, see a doctor as soon as possible to confirm it and get the treatment you need. Then watch for later complications and seek treatment again if necessary. If you work with serving food or deal closely with others, do your part to prevent spreading it. Along with washing your hands, get tested again to see that you are no longer infected. Some health departments may actually require two separate negative test results before allowing infected individuals to work with food.