Shigella sonnei Sepsis in an Infant: A Case Report

Shigella bacteraemia is a complication of gastroenteritis caused by Shigella spp. which occurs mainly in immunocompromised children. Other risk factors may include young malnourished children, patients with chronic disease, post transplant patients etc. We present a case of six-month-old infant who developed an episode of gastroenteritis caused by Shigella sonnei which was followed by septicaemia. The patient was managed well and he recovered. Shigella sonnei was isolated in both stool as well as blood culture. S.sonnei bacteraemia is a rare condition but we should always be vigilant. Blood cultures as well as stool cultures should be performed in patients presenting with acute febrile gastroenteritis, whether immunocompromised or not. This simple, early and prompt investigation may help in precise diagnosis, which will guide the clinician about appropriate intervention like antibiotic therapy and supportive care.