S. dysenteriae generally produces the most severe attacks, and S. sonnei the mildest attacks of shigellosis.
Shigella species are generally indole negative, except for Shigella flexneri, which can be indole positive depending on the specific strain. In laboratory identification, indole testing is used to differentiate between various enteric bacteria. Therefore, while most Shigella species do not produce indole, Shigella flexneri may show positive results under certain conditions.
Shigella dysenteriae attacks the human gastrointestinal tract, primarily through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Once inside the intestines, it invades epithelial cells, multiplying and causing cell death, which leads to inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal lining. This results in symptoms such as severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. The bacterium can also produce toxins that exacerbate the illness and can spread easily, contributing to outbreaks, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
Shigella causes dysentery that results in the destruction of the epithelial cells of the intestinal mucosa in the cecum and rectum. Some strains produce enterotoxins and Shiga toxin, similar to the verotoxin of E. coli. Both Shiga toxin and verotoxin are associated with causing hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Shigella dysenteriae is generally considered negative for starch hydrolysis. In laboratory tests, it does not produce the enzyme amylase, which is required to hydrolyze starch into simpler sugars. Therefore, when inoculated on starch agar, it typically does not show a clear zone of hydrolysis around the colonies.
To differentiate between Salmonella enteritidis and Shigella sonnei, the triple sugar iron (TSI) agar test can be used. Salmonella enteritidis typically produces hydrogen sulfide (H2S), resulting in black colonies on TSI agar, while Shigella sonnei does not produce H2S and will not change the color of the agar. Additionally, biochemical tests such as urease and indole tests can further help distinguish between the two, as Shigella sonnei is urease negative and indole positive, while Salmonella enteritidis is urease negative and indole negative.
produce no symptoms
HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that attacks the cells in the immune system that produce antibodies.
Mnemonic: KEE Klebsiella pneumoniae Enterobacter cloacae E. coli Shigella sonnei can ferment lactose, but only after prolonged incubation and so it is referred to as a '''''late-lactose fermenter'''''. Vibrio cholerae is also a late lactose fermenter.
Several bacteria produce enterotoxins, including Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, Vibrio cholerae, and Escherichia coli. These enterotoxins can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, such as food poisoning and diarrhea, when ingested.
HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that attacks the cells in the immune system that produce antibodies.
The chili has one of the mildest poisons made by plants. On small doses, the capsaicin of peppers produce delight in many people from an increase of food flavor to intense burning of the entire body. Taken in larger doses it can cause nausea, vomiting and other symptoms of toxicity.
Escherichia coli is a bacterium that can produce a dark purple color on Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar medium due to its ability to ferment lactose and produce acidic end products. This characteristic color change helps in the differentiation and identification of E. coli from other bacteria.