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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Use of Shigella flexneri to Study Autophagy-Cytoskeleton Interactions
Published on: September 9, 2014
[Fulminant encephalopathy due to Shigella flexneri]
S Dieu-Osika1, M F Tazarourte-Pinturier, P Dessemme
1Service de pédiatrie, hôpital Jean-Verdier, Bondy, France.
Background:
In some rare cases, Shigella flexneri infection may be associated with fulminating encephatopathy.
Case Report:
A 6-year-old girl was admitted with fever, diarrhea and consciousness abnormalities. Brain CT scan was normal. Shigella flexneri type 2 was isolated from the stools. Despite antibiotic therapy, the encephalopathy was lethal. Two siblings were also infected, the first with only diarrhea, the second with headache and mild consciousness abnormalities: both children had a favorable course.
Conclusions:
Shigella flexneri encephalopathy is associated with high mortality rate in developed countries. Presence of headache could be a poor prognostic factor.
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