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Updated: Nov 4, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Understanding and Combatting Shigella Infections
Published on: February 9, 2024
Shigellosis Presenting as Meningism
Monarch V Shah1, Oluwatofunmi Olowoyo2, Sanya Chandna1
1Internal Medicine, Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, USA.
Abstract:
Shigella is a common cause of gastroenteritis and can also lead to serious complications such as dehydration, seizures, hemolytic uremic syndrome, and neurological complications. In this paper, we describe a case of a 39-year-old man who was admitted septic, with altered mental status and gastrointestinal symptoms. During the evaluation, he was found to have positive meningeal signs, non-anion gap metabolic acidosis, enteric panel positive for Shigella flexneri, positive IgG for Strongyloides, and pancolitis on computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis. He was treated for infectious colitis and initially treated empirically for meningitis, but antibiotics were later discontinued due to rapid improvement of meningeal signs. To reduce the risk of disseminated infection, the patient was also treated for Strongyloides.
Insights
This case study highlights a rare presentation of Shigella flexneri infection, complicated by Strongyloides co-infection. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
Background:
- Shigella infection commonly causes gastroenteritis but can lead to severe complications like dehydration, seizures, hemolytic uremic syndrome, and neurological issues.
- Co-infections can complicate the presentation and management of infectious diseases.
