Shigellosis In The United States
Section: 309
ABSTRACT
Shigellosis is the cause of dysentery, and even though it has for the most part been isolated in developing countries around the world, it is beginning to spread throughout the Middle East, Asia and Latin America. Though research and study has gone on for decades there is to this day no known effective vaccine for this bacterial infection. Continuing research brings us closer to this point but as of right now we must continue to fight it with multiple types of antibiotics. Early detection is the key to successful recovery from this infection. If left unattended or treated it will lead to death in the person that has contracted it. It attacks the gastrointestinal area, destroys cells, it causes severe dehydration and …show more content…
Though it is usually more prevalent in developing countries, Asia, and Latin American countries where the sanitation and hygiene practices are below standard, the United States has more than its share of cases. “High risk groups include children in day-care centers, homosexual men, individuals in custodial institutions, migrant workers, travelers to developing countries, and certain First Nation reserves.” (1) Rate of infection is also very high for infants during the weaning period as they are taking on new outside foods, normally infants are safe due to either the mother’s natural immunity or due to their lack of exposure to the community. Immunocompromised individuals, who already are at risk for catching most anything, must be extremely careful around individuals with Shigellosis as they are highly susceptible to catching it. Shigellosis is transmitted by fecal to mouth in most cases. Whether it be from poor hand hygiene before handling food, or during certain sex practices. “Organisms are spread through the fecal-oral route, and transmission is typically through one of three mechanisms: ingestion of contaminated foods (washed with fecally contaminated water, or handled with poor hygiene, commonly in tossed salads, chicken, and shellfish); drinking contaminated water (or in swimming pools); or …show more content…
The only true prevention for the spread of this disease is good hygiene, clean drinking water, clean water to swim in, washing vegetables and fruits thoroughly before ingesting, and protected sex especially if engaging in anal sex. Shigellosis is not susceptible to first line antibiotics so physicians must look for stronger defenses to fight this bacteria such. “Susceptible to ampicillin, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, naldixic acid, ofloxacin, chloramphenicol, fluoroquinolones, and ciprofloxacin.” (1) These antibiotics are able to break through the outer shell of the bacteria to actually to kill it. Since some Shigella infections can become drug resistant it is best to not take antibiotics unless the infection actually becomes severe. The best prevention for not spreading shigella is:
“ Carefully washing your hands with soap during key times: Before Eating After changing a diaper or helping to clean another person who has defecated If you care for a child in diapers who has shigellosis, promptly discard the soiled diapers
In a lidded, lined garbage can, and wash your hands and the child’s hands carefully with soap and water immediately after changing the diapers. Any leaks or spills of diaper contents should be cleaned up immediately.
Avoid swallowing water from ponds,
ABSTRACT
Shigellosis is the cause of dysentery, and even though it has for the most part been isolated in developing countries around the world, it is beginning to spread throughout the Middle East, Asia and Latin America. Though research and study has gone on for decades there is to this day no known effective vaccine for this bacterial infection. Continuing research brings us closer to this point but as of right now we must continue to fight it with multiple types of antibiotics. Early detection is the key to successful recovery from this infection. If left unattended or treated it will lead to death in the person that has contracted it. It attacks the gastrointestinal area, destroys cells, it causes severe dehydration and …show more content…
Though it is usually more prevalent in developing countries, Asia, and Latin American countries where the sanitation and hygiene practices are below standard, the United States has more than its share of cases. “High risk groups include children in day-care centers, homosexual men, individuals in custodial institutions, migrant workers, travelers to developing countries, and certain First Nation reserves.” (1) Rate of infection is also very high for infants during the weaning period as they are taking on new outside foods, normally infants are safe due to either the mother’s natural immunity or due to their lack of exposure to the community. Immunocompromised individuals, who already are at risk for catching most anything, must be extremely careful around individuals with Shigellosis as they are highly susceptible to catching it. Shigellosis is transmitted by fecal to mouth in most cases. Whether it be from poor hand hygiene before handling food, or during certain sex practices. “Organisms are spread through the fecal-oral route, and transmission is typically through one of three mechanisms: ingestion of contaminated foods (washed with fecally contaminated water, or handled with poor hygiene, commonly in tossed salads, chicken, and shellfish); drinking contaminated water (or in swimming pools); or …show more content…
The only true prevention for the spread of this disease is good hygiene, clean drinking water, clean water to swim in, washing vegetables and fruits thoroughly before ingesting, and protected sex especially if engaging in anal sex. Shigellosis is not susceptible to first line antibiotics so physicians must look for stronger defenses to fight this bacteria such. “Susceptible to ampicillin, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, naldixic acid, ofloxacin, chloramphenicol, fluoroquinolones, and ciprofloxacin.” (1) These antibiotics are able to break through the outer shell of the bacteria to actually to kill it. Since some Shigella infections can become drug resistant it is best to not take antibiotics unless the infection actually becomes severe. The best prevention for not spreading shigella is:
“ Carefully washing your hands with soap during key times: Before Eating After changing a diaper or helping to clean another person who has defecated If you care for a child in diapers who has shigellosis, promptly discard the soiled diapers
In a lidded, lined garbage can, and wash your hands and the child’s hands carefully with soap and water immediately after changing the diapers. Any leaks or spills of diaper contents should be cleaned up immediately.
Avoid swallowing water from ponds,