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Updated: May 2, 2026
08:56
Imaging Ca2+ Responses During Shigella Infection of Epithelial Cells
Published on: May 24, 2018
5.2K
Persistent shigellosis
D Clements1, C J Ellis, R N Allan
1Gastroenterology Unit, General Hospital, Birmingham.
Gut
|September 1, 1988
Abstract:
Shigella usually causes a self-limited infection which untreated lasts on average seven days (range one to 30 days). We report a patient who had persistent symptoms for 10 months caused by Shigella flexneri which was finally identified on cultures from a rectal swab.
Insights
Shigella flexneri typically causes a brief illness, but this case highlights a prolonged 10-month infection. Persistent Shigella infection requires thorough diagnostic investigation for accurate identification and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Shigella infections are generally self-limiting, resolving within a week.
- Typical Shigella infection duration ranges from one to 30 days without treatment.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing bacterial infections.
Observation:
- A patient presented with persistent symptoms lasting for 10 months.
- The patient's prolonged illness was eventually attributed to Shigella flexneri.
Findings:
- Shigella flexneri was identified through rectal swab cultures.
- This case demonstrates an unusually protracted course of Shigella infection.
Implications:
- Prolonged Shigella infections may occur, necessitating extended diagnostic evaluation.
- Clinical awareness of atypical presentations of Shigella is important for patient outcomes.
- Further research into the mechanisms of persistent Shigella infections is warranted.
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