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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffShigella infection (shigellosis) is an intestinal disease caused by a family of bacteria called shigella. The main sign of shigella infection is diarrhea, which often is bloody.
Shigella can be acquired through direct contact with the bacteria in the stool, such as in a child care setting when staff members don't wash their hands adequately after changing diapers. Shigella bacteria also can be passed in contaminated food or by drinking or swimming in contaminated water.
Children between ages 2 and 4 are most likely to get shigellosis. Shigella infection is far more common in developing nations, especially where there's overcrowding and poor sanitation.
If you're in good health, a mild case of shigellosis is likely to clear up on its own. When shigella infection requires treatment, doctors generally prescribe antibiotics.
