Shigella

Shigella is a genus of Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, non-spore-forming bacteria. It is an important human pathogen and a major cause of dysentery and diarrheal diseases. Shigella is the leading cause of food-borne and water-borne illnesses in developing countries, causing an estimated 164 million illnesses and 600,000 deaths annually worldwide. Vaccines and antibiotics are the main treatments for Shigella infections. Proper hygiene and sanitation practices are also important for preventing the spread of Shigella.