Facts on Shigella Boydii

Shigella Boydii is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is typically found in tropical regions of the world. It is one of four types of Shigella bacteria and is the least common amongst those four. It does not form spores, nor is it able to independently move itself. Structurally, it shares several similar aspects to the E. coli strain of bacteria, which is much more common in the United States.

Significance

• Because Shigella Boydii is a rare form of bacteria, it does not account for a majority of Shigella infections worldwide. What infections are produced from Shigella Boydii can be both serious and fatal because they typically occur in third world countries where medication is not prevalent.

Transmission

• Shigella Boydii often stems from exposure to raw sewage. It can also transfer person-to-person by means of ingesting human feces. Transmission usually occurs when fecal matter becomes attached to the hands or fingers and is then scraped off on food or placed directly into the mouth. As a result, countries where hand washing habits are poor or nonexistent are at a high risk of developing the Shigella Boydii strain. Once ingested, the strain almost always produces an infection because only 10 to 200 bacteria are required to cause sickness.

Symptoms

• Shigella Boydii causes an infectious disease known as Shigellosis. The symptoms that come from Shigellosis include bloody stool, decreased appetite, joint pain and diarrhea. With proper medication, these symptoms can be quelled in around 5 to 7 days, although diarrhea can sometimes become so severe that hospitalization is necessary. Dehydration can occur on account of diarrhea, which in itself often leads to dizziness, hallucinations and death.

Treatment

• Shigella Boydii are treatable with antibiotics. While some cases of Shigella Boydii infection are eliminated naturally over time by the body's immune system, antibiotics should always be utilized to kill the bacteria in the intestinal tract. Some strains of Shigella Boydii have developed immunities to antibiotics, so consult a doctor if symptoms do not lessen from medication.

  A vaccine is currently under development to prevent the contraction and spread of Shigella Boydii.

Prevention/Solution

• If at all possible, try to avoid areas where raw sewage is prevalent. Wash your hands often, preferably before and after eating. Do not eat food prepared around raw sewage and do not share food with someone who has been exposed to raw sewage. Speak to a doctor immediately if you notice blood in your stool, are experiencing intestinal pain or have continual diarrhea.