Shigella dysentery and shigella infections

ABSTRACT

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