Final answer:
Shigellosis, caused by Shigella species, presents with severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, leading to dehydration and sometimes more severe complications. Diagnosis involves culture and serotyping, with antibiotics recommended for serious or immunocompromised cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Shigella, including S. flexneri and S. sonnei, is the causative agent of shigellosis or bacillary dysentery. This gastrointestinal illness primarily presents with symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Complications can include dehydration, weight loss, and in severe cases, life-threatening conditions like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or reactive arthritis.
The bacteria invade intestinal epithelial cells causing damage that results in the loss of fluid, leading to symptoms of watery diarrhea that may also contain pus, mucus, and/or blood. Diagnosis typically involves culture with subsequent serotyping and sometimes DNA fingerprinting. While the majority of cases are self-limiting, treatment with antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones, third-generation cephalosporins, or ampicillin is recommended in serious cases or for immunocompromised individuals.