How Do You Spell SHIGELLA DYSENTERIAE?

1. Shigella dysenteriae is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium of the family Enterobacteriaceae, which is responsible for causing dysentery. Dysentery is a highly contagious and acute gastrointestinal infection characterized by severe diarrhea with blood and mucus in the feces, abdominal pain, and fever.

   This bacterium is the most virulent species among the Shigella genus, capable of causing serious epidemic outbreaks, particularly in developing countries with poor sanitation and hygiene practices. It primarily affects the colon, leading to inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal wall.

   Shigella dysenteriae produces a potent exotoxin called Shiga toxin, which plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the infection. The toxin damages the lining of the intestine, impairing its ability to absorb water and nutrients, ultimately resulting in the characteristic watery and bloody stools.

   Infection with Shigella dysenteriae is commonly transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food and water, as well as through person-to-person contact. Crowded living conditions and inadequate sanitation facilities provide optimal conditions for transmission.

   The treatment of Shigella dysenteriae infections typically involves a course of antibiotics targeted at the specific strain and the management of symptoms, such as rehydration to prevent dehydration. Prevention is focused on improving sanitation, personal hygiene, and food safety practices to minimize the transmission of the bacterium.

Common Misspellings for SHIGELLA DYSENTERIAE

The term "Shigella dysenteriae" is derived from its scientific classification and the name of the bacterium that causes the disease dysentery.

The genus name "Shigella" is named after the Japanese physician Kiyoshi Shiga. In 1898, Shiga first discovered and isolated the bacterium responsible for causing dysentery during an outbreak in Japan. He named the organism "Shigella" in his honor.

The specific epithet "dysenteriae" refers to the disease dysentery, which is an inflammation of the intestines, causing severe diarrhea. The term "dysentery" itself is derived from the Greek words "dys", meaning difficult, and "enteron", meaning intestine. The suffix "-iae" is commonly used in taxonomic names to denote a specific species or entity.