Shigella dysenteriae

Shigella dysenteriae is the most fearsome of the Shigella bacteria. It is responsible for bacillary dysentery (or shigellosis), a severe and highly contagious intestinal infection. And be careful, this bacterium is strictly human and it does not infect any other species !

This bacteria is transmitted through the fecal-oral route: contaminated water or food, or simply by improper hand washing after using the toilet. Yes, sometimes the worst infections are caused by simply forgetting to use soap!

Once swallowed, this little intruder crosses the digestive system and heads straight to the colon, where it invades intestinal cells, multiplies, and causes intense inflammation. Its secret weapon? Shiga toxin, a powerful molecule that destroys cells and causes bleeding.

The result? Severe diarrhea with blood and mucus, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. In young children or in areas with limited access to healthcare, this can lead to significant dehydration and, in the most severe cases, complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome.

And that's not all: it only takes 10 to 100 bacteria to trigger an infection. That's how highly infectious it is!

💊 Treatment is based on hydration and, in severe cases, antibiotics. But be careful: some strains become resistant, which complicates treatment. Prevention therefore remains essential: hand washing, food hygiene and access to drinking water !

But don't panic: the sticker version of Shigella dysenteriae won't cause any symptoms, except maybe... a microbial crush! Add it to your collection now in our shop!

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PUN: Shigella ? I just met ha'