Shigellosis Clinical Presentation

Updated: Aug 20, 2021
  • Author: Heba Rashid Ashraf, MD; Chief Editor: BS Anand, MD  more...
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Presentation

History and Physical Examination

History

Manifestations of shigellosis generally begin within 1-2 days of infection and can include a range of the following signs and symptoms [1, 3] :

  • Acute bloody diarrhea [40]

  • Crampy abdominal pain

  • Tenesmus

  • Urgency

  • Fever (1-3 days after exposure)

  • Occasional vomiting (35% prevalence)

  • Dehydration

These symptoms are usually self-limiting and can last from 2 to 7 days. However, certain populations are at an increased risk of severe shigellosis infection, including children in daycare, incarcerated persons, international travelers, [41] men who have sex with men, [41] people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and those who live in crowded, unsanitary conditions.

Physical examination

Clinical findings may include the following:

  • Lower abdominal tenderness

  • Normal or increased bowel sounds

  • Dehydration (occasional)