Description
An intestinal disease caused by the bacteria shigella. The main sign of infection is diarrhea, which is often bloody. The infection is acquired through direct contact with infected stool, or obtained by eating contaminated food, or drinking contaminated water. Young children are most susceptible. Patients with normal immune systems will generally recover without treatment. Shigella can result in severe dehydration, seizures, toxic megacolon, rectal prolapse and hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Symptoms
Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Cultures of the stool establish the diagnosis. Blood tests may be performed to define the extent of dehydration.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Stool cultures
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Cultures of the stool establish the diagnosis. Blood tests may be performed to define the extent of dehydration.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Stool cultures
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
Most patients are treated with antibiotics. Dehydration is treated with intravenous fluids, and any body chemistry abnormalities (electrolytes) will be corrected.