Shigellosis: A truly neglected disease in Papua New Guinea
- Author:
Elisheba Malau
1
;
Jenny Mosse
1
;
Paul F. Horwood
2
;
Andrew R. Greenhill
1
Author Information
1. School of Applied and Biomedical Sciences, Federation University,
2. Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University,
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Shigellosis;
Diseases;
Infection prevention
- From:
Papua New Guinea medical journal
2016;59(3-4):147-154
- CountryPapua New Guinea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Diarrhoeal diseases still affect many people, especially children living in impoverished and under-developed settings. In Papua New Guinea (PNG) diarrhoea remains one of the leading causes of hospitalization and a major cause of death. Here, we focus on the role of Shigella in diarrhoeal illness in PNG, and provide an overview of the causative organism and the illness. A review of the available data on the aetiology of diarrhoea in PNG suggests that shigellosis is a major cause of diarrhoeal illness. Since shigellosis can cause protracted and life-threatening illness an appreciation of the burden of shigellosis is important to aid in the development of optimal prevention and control strategies. Treatment strategies for all cases of moderate-severe diarrhoeal illness should centre on rehydration, but where antimicrobial treatment is required consideration should be given to the increasing antimicrobial resistance observed in Shigella isolates in PNG.
