Final answer:
Shigellosis, caused by the bacterium Shigella, is transmitted through the fecal-oral route and often presents symptoms like vomiting, fever, and bloody diarrhea. Preventive measures include good hygiene, safe food handling, and using clean water. Diagnosis is through stool sample testing, and treatment may involve antibiotics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Shigella: Source, Symptoms, and Prevention
The bacterium Shigella is the causative agent of shigellosis, commonly known as bacillary dysentery. It is a rod-shaped, gram-negative bacterium that can be found in humans and causes disease primarily through the fecal-oral route, often in contaminated water or undercooked meat. This pathogen is most prevalent in developing countries. Symptoms of shigellosis can include vomiting, fever, aches, and bloody diarrhea, as the bacteria produce a toxin that destroys red blood cells. To prevent the spread of Shigella, practising good hygiene, such as handwashing and ensuring food is properly cooked, is fundamental.
Prevention Measures
- Hand hygiene: Regularly washing hands with soap and water.
- Food safety: Properly washing vegetables and thoroughly cooking meat.
- Water quality: Drinking and using safe, clean water for all purposes.
Diagnosis of shigellosis often requires laboratory testing of stool samples, with immunoassays for S. dysenteriae being a common method. Treatment may require antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and azithromycin; however, antibiotic resistance is a growing issue. Thus, prevention of the disease through sanitation and food and water safety is crucial.