Shigellosis risk factors

All individuals are at risk of developing shigellosis. Individuals at high risk of developing shigellosis or complications of shigellosis are young children between the age of 2 to 5, elderly individuals, and individuals who engage in anal sexual intercourse, HIV-positive individuals, and travelers to developing countries in regions of poor sanitation.

• Individuals living in regions of poor sanitation with inadequate supply of clean water are at risk of developing shigellosis.

• The majority of shigellosis cases are reported in childcare/school settings or among families with small children.^[1]

• Children between the age of 2 to 5 are most susceptible to shigellosis infection and to death associated with the infection.

• Individuals who engage in anal sexual intercourse are at risk of developing shigellosis.^[1]
• Shigella is transmitted via the fecal-oral route. Individuals who engage with anal sexual intercourse may be exposed to fecal residue.^[1]

• HIV-positive patients and patients with advanced cancers may develop severe and prolonged forms of shigellosis and are at high risk of developing bacteremia.^[1]

• Individuals with malnutrition may develop severe forms of shigellosis.

• Individuals who travel to developing countries are at risk of shigellosis following ingestion of contaminated food and water.^[1]
• Swimming in regions with poor sanitation during travel further increases the risk of developing shigellosis.

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