ScienceAugust 4, 2026
shigellosis
shig-uh-LO-sis
Definition
A severe, contagious intestinal infection caused by Shigella bacteria, characterized by fever, stomach cramps, and often bloody diarrhea.
Etymology
The term is derived from the genus name Shigella, which honors the Japanese microbiologist Kiyoshi Shiga who discovered the bacteria in 1897, combined with the suffix -osis, which denotes a disease or condition.
In the news
The article identifies shigellosis as a major foodborne illness that is increasingly difficult to treat due to the rise of drug-resistant strains. It highlights how the infection spreads easily, even in small doses, particularly in populations with limited access to clean sanitation.
Five Pathogens That Could Cause New Outbreak Following Cyclospora
Read the full article ↗Newsweek