Q. Explain causes of Shigellosis?
Shigellosis is caused by the genus Shigella and is a common enteric (intestinal) infection. The genus has four serological groups, of which S. sonnei (Subgroup D) and S. flexneri (sub-group B) are the important ones. The Shimellae are non-motile, aerobic and facultative anaerobic, non-sporulating gram-negative rods in the family Enterobacteriaceae. The optimum temperature for the growth is 37°C with a temperature range of 10 to 40°C. They can withstand salt concentrations of up to 6% and are heat-sensitive. They utilize glucose and other carbohydrates and are inhibited by potassium cyanide.