Shigella spp. is a bacteria that can cause vaginal infections and vulvovaginitis, generally recorded in children. It presents similar to gonorrhoea and a foreign body, so careful investigation is required.
Symptoms of Shigella
- Discharge (may be malodorous or bloody or laden with pus)
- Diarrhoea prior to vaginal symptoms
Strains of bacteria
- S. sonnei
- S. flexneri – most commonly found
- S. boydii
- S. dysenteriae
- S. spp
In one study, Enterobius vermicularis (a pinworm) was found in 64 per cent of the 40 vulvovaginitis patients who had Shigella. The bacteria is highly resistant to antibiotics ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.