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Epithelial Cell Infection Analyses with Shigella
04:56

Epithelial Cell Infection Analyses with Shigella

Published on: February 9, 2024

A case of shigellosis with intractable septic shock and convulsions

Sebhat A Erqou1, Endale Teferra, Andargachew Mulu

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases
|September 21, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Shigellosis can cause severe septic shock, a rare complication, especially with multidrug-resistant Shigella dysenteriae. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent potentially fatal outcomes in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Shigellosis is a significant cause of diarrheal disease globally.
  • Extra-intestinal manifestations of shigellosis are known but typically not severe.
  • Septic shock is an uncommon but serious complication of Shigella infections.

Observation:

  • A 6-month-old infant presented with severe septic shock and convulsions.
  • The infant's illness was associated with dysentery caused by multidrug-resistant Shigella dysenteriae.
  • This case highlights an unusual presentation of shigellosis.

Findings:

  • Multidrug-resistant Shigella dysenteriae can lead to intractable septic shock.
  • Delayed or inadequate treatment of shigellosis increases the risk of severe complications.
  • The infant's condition underscores the potential severity of Shigella infections.

Implications:

  • Early recognition and prompt treatment of shigellosis are critical, especially in infants.
  • Physicians should consider severe complications like septic shock in cases of dysentery.
  • This case emphasizes the importance of antimicrobial stewardship in managing Shigella infections.

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