Shigella sonnei is a species of Shigella. Together with Shigella flexneri, it is responsible for 90% of shigellosis cases. Shigella sonnei is named for the Danish bacteriologist Carl Olaf Sonne. It is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped, nonmotile, non-spore-forming bacterium.
This species is clonal and has spread worldwide. Analysis of 132 strains has shown that they originated from a common ancestor in Europe around 1500 AD.
Causes
"Group D" Shigella bacteria cause shigellosis. Those infected with the bacteria release it into their stool, thus causing possibility of spread through food or water, or from direct contact to a person orally. Having poorly sanitized living conditions or contaminated food or water contributes to contracting the disease.
People at risk
Infants and toddlers, the elderly, travelers, and ill people are susceptible to the most severe symptoms of S. sonnei disease. Shigellosis is commonly suffered by individuals with acquired immune deficiency syndrome and AIDS-related complex, as well as non-AIDS homosexual men. The other people who are at risk include the gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Shigellosis could also be passed through HIV-infected persons who already have contracted a more severe and prolonged shigellosis, including having the infection spread into the blood, which can be life-threatening to the person.
Symptoms
Infections can result in acute fever, acute abdominal cramping, cramping rectal pain, nausea, watery diarrhea, or blood, mucus, or pus in the stool, which may occur within 1–7 days after coming in contact with the bacteria. Most Shigella infection usually clears up without complications, but if left untreated or delay in diagnosis may lead to some serious complication such as dehydration, seizure, hemolytic uremic syndrome, toxic megacolon, and reactive arthritis. Persons with diarrhea usually recover completely, although it may be several months before their bowel habits are entirely normal. Once someone has had shigellosis, they are not likely to get infected with that specific type again for at least several years. However, they can still get infected with other types of Shigella.
Possible complications
Bloodstream infections may occur from Shigella, damaging the intestines which allows it and other germs to travel into the bloodstream.
No vaccines are available for Shigella. The best prevention against shigellosis is thorough, frequent, and cautious handwashing with soap and water before and after using the washroom and before handling food; also, a strict adherence to standard food and water safety precautions is important. Avoid having sexual intercourse with those people who have diarrhea or who recently recovered from diarrhea. It is also important to avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes, or untreated swimming pools.
