| − | '''Shigella''' is a [[genus]] of rod shaped, nonmotile bacteria in the family of [[Enterobacteriaceae]].<ref>http://textbookofbacteriology.net/Shigella.html</ref><ref>http://www.britannica.com/eb/topic-540355/article-9067354</ref> If it infects humans or other primates, it can cause the disease Shigellosis. | + | '''Shigella''' is a [[genus]] of rod shaped, non-motile bacteria in the family of [[Enterobacteriaceae]].<ref>http://textbookofbacteriology.net/Shigella.html</ref><ref>http://www.britannica.com/eb/topic-540355/article-9067354</ref> If it infects humans or other primates, causing the disease Shigellosis. This disease involves the bacterium replicating in the intestines and liver. Symptoms appear 2-3 days after infection and are characterized by intense and constant vomiting and diarrhea. Prognosis is poor and without intensive treatment with [[antibiotic]]s and fluid replacement 20-30% of patients will die within a few days, mostly due to dehydration.<ref>http://textbookofbacteriology.net/Shigella.html</ref> Chronic infection can cause liver abscesses and reactive [[arthritis]]. Even in the chronic phase attacks of vomiting and diarrhea can recur, especially due to immuno-suppression from HIV infection - which makes Shigellosis a common secondary infection of people suffering from AIDS in the developing world. |