Shigella dysentery and shigella infections

In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, dysentery is recognized as one of the major causes of persistent diarrhoea and malnutrition. The latest estimates amount to about a million total shigella cases annually with approximately 40 000 deaths [an average of 4% case fatality rate]. This paper discusses the role of food and water in this major health problem as well as antimicrobial treatment of shigella dysentery; preparedness; and control of epidemics due to shigella