Definition

Noun: A specific type of bacterium belonging to the genus Shigella, known to cause a severe form of bacillary dysentery (shigellosis) in humans. It is characterized by its rod-like (bacillus) shape and its ability to invade the intestinal lining.

Usage

The term is used in medical, microbiological, and public health contexts to identify the causative agent of a specific infectious disease. * The outbreak was traced to a contaminated water source containing Shigella dysentariae. * Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of Shigella dysentariae in the patient's stool sample.

Advanced Usage

• Serotype Classification: is also referred to as serogroup A, with multiple serotypes (e.g., type 1). This classification is important for epidemiological tracking.
  • The strain was identified as Shigella dysentariae type 1, which is known for producing Shiga toxin.

Variants and Related Words

• Shigella (n): The genus name for a group of bacteria that cause shigellosis. is one species within this genus.
• Shigellosis (n): The medical term for the disease caused by bacteria, characterized by severe diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
• Bacillary dysentery (n): Another name for shigellosis, emphasizing its cause by a bacillus.

Synonyms

• Shigella serogroup A: A technical synonym based on serological classification.
• Dysentery bacillus: A general, older term that can refer to bacteria causing dysentery, including .

Noun

1. a bacillus that causes dysentery