What is shigella?
Shigella is a group of bacteria that causes a bowel infection known as shigellosis. While traditionally associated with food or travel, shigella is increasingly recognized as a sexually transmitted infection. In England, over half of adult shigellosis cases in 2019 were attributed to sexual transmission among men who have sex with men.
This infection can lead to severe stomach pain, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Shigella is highly infectious and can spread easily, even with a small amount of bacteria. While shigellosis often resolves on its own, it can sometimes require medical treatment, especially in severe cases.
Symptoms & Causes
Symptoms of a shigella infection usually appear between 12 hours and 4 days after exposure and can last for about 5 to 7 days. In some cases, symptoms may persist longer. Common signs and symptoms of shigellosis include:
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea, which can be bloody or contain mucus
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness, especially when standing up
- An urgent need to pass stool, even when the bowels are empty
In most cases, recovery occurs within a week, but the infection can be more severe and prolonged in some individuals, particularly in those with weakened immune systems.
How do you get shigella?
Shigella is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, meaning that infection occurs when tiny particles of contaminated feces enter the mouth. This can happen in several ways:
- Rimming (licking the anus): Direct contact with feces during sexual activity can lead to infection.
- Contaminated hands: Fecal matter can get onto the hands during sex or by handling objects like used condoms, sex toys, or other contaminated items. If these hands then touch the mouth, infection can occur.
- Contaminated objects: Shigella can spread through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Handling items like food, pens, or cigarettes that have come into contact with the bacteria can lead to infection.
Because shigella is highly contagious, it can spread easily in environments where hygiene practices are not strictly followed.
Testing & Treatment
Testing for shigella
Diagnosis of a shigella infection is typically made by testing a stool sample.
In some cases, a healthcare provider may take a swab from the rectum (anus) for testing. These tests can confirm the presence of shigella bacteria and help guide appropriate treatment.
Treatment for shigella
Most cases of shigellosis are mild and resolve on their own within 5 to 7 days without the need for antibiotics. During recovery, it is important to:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.
- Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection.
- Eat healthy: Consume easily digestible, healthy foods as tolerated.
In more severe cases, especially if symptoms persist or worsen, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection more quickly.
Telling your partner
If you have shigella, you should tell your current partners and anyone else that you’ve had sex with in the last 6 months. They can have shigella without knowing it, so they should get tested as well.
TellYourPartner.com helps you send an anonymous shigella text, so you can let partners know they’ve had contact with an infection without revealing your name.