Description of Shigella Dysenteriae

Shigella dysenteriae, as its name suggests, belongs to the Shigella group of bacteria. Although it occurs worldwide, Shigella dysenteriae concentrates in overcrowded areas with poor sanitation, such as in developing countries.

History

• Shigella dysenteriae was first isolated in 1896 by Kiyoshi Shiga, a Japanese researcher. Shiga called this bacteria "Bacillus dysentericus."

Significance

• According to Kenyon College (2009), Shigella dysenteriae causes shigellosis, which accounts for 5 percent to 15 percent of diarrhea cases and 30 percent to 50 percent of dysentery cases worldwide.

Features

• Shigella dysenteriae is a non-motile Gram-negative bacillus. This means that Shigella dysenteriae cannot move on its own; it has low amounts of peptidoglycan, a mesh-like substance, in its walls; and it is shaped like a rod.

Transmission

• Shigella dysenteriae passes from human to human through contaminated food or soiled hands. Basic food safety and proper handwashing help prevent infections from spreading.

Treatment

• The most common treatment for Shigella dysenteriae is antibiotics, such as ampicillin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.