Shigillosis with Acute Appendicitis and Peritonitis: A Case Report

Abstract

Shigellosis is a form of bacterial diarrhea caused by gram-negative bacteria Shigella species. It is common in developing countries and results from contaminated food, poor sanitation conditions, or direct person to person contact. Shigella can cause infection in all age groups. High-risk group include very young, elderly, and immunocompromised person. Shigella species is relatively resistant to acid in the stomach, and few organisms are required to cause the disease. Once ingested, it multiplies in the small intestine and enters the colon. In the colon, it produces shigella enterotoxins and serotype toxin 1, resulting in watery or bloody diarrhea. Clinical presentation of shigellosis may vary over a wide spectrum from mild diarrhea to severe dysentery. We report the case of 7 years old previously healthy boy, who presented to our hospital with abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. On examination, we noticed abdominal tenderness with guarding at the right lower quadrant. With the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, open appendectomy was performed. Exploration of the abdominal cavity revealed perforated appendicitis and generalized peritonitis. Shigella sonnei was isolated from the peritoneal fluid culture. The patient completely recovered without any complications. Surgical complications, including appendicitis, could have developed during shigellosis. There are few reported cases of perforated appendicitis associated with Shigella. Prompt surgical intervention can be beneficial to prevent morbidity and mortality if it is performed early in the course of the disease.