Shigella

Shigella is closely related to Escherichia and is considered, by some scientists, to be another strain of E. coli. This group of bacteria is found in the intestine of man and other animals.

This form of food poisoning is known as bacillary dysentery.

There are four species of the bacteria:-

1. Shigella sonnei - a mild dysentery.
2. Shigella dysenteriae - severe dysentery.
3. Shigella flexneri
4. Shigella boydii

Foods incriminated:

It is often spread from person to person via the faecal - oral route. Associated foods include salads (especially potato, sea food, meats or pasta), raw vegatables, milk, dairy products, poultry or contaminated water.

Control measures:

Good personal hygiene, control of flies, hygienic preparation of food and the use of potable water all help to prevent outbreaks of the disease. Mild forms of the disease (caused by shigella sonnei) occur in the UK but it is more common in tropical countries where crowded populations that have poor personal hygiene and inadequate water and sewage systems exist.

Susceptible groups:

Infants, the elderly and the infirm are susceptible to the severest symptoms of the disease, but all humans are susceptible to some degree. Shigellosis is very common by individuals with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).