What are the epidemiologic features and species most commonly associated with shigellosis?
- Shigella infections in developed countries such as the United States are more commonly associated with Shigella sonnei strains.
- Shigella flexneri infections are more common in developing countries and are the second most common Shigella species isolated from patients in the United States.
- Shigella dysenteriae is less common but can cause of a more severe infection and epidemic dysentery.
- In the United States, shigellosis is most commonly associated with children in daycare settings, institutionalized individuals, and among men who have sex with men.
- Shigellosis is also an important cause of watery diarrhea and dysentery among travelers.