Medical expert of the article
New publications
Treatment of dysentery (shigellosis)
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Treatment of dysentery (shigellosis) can be carried out at home.
Diet is the most important component in the complex treatment of shigellosis.
- In mild forms, a diet appropriate to the child's age is prescribed; the food must be mechanically processed. In the acute period, vegetables and fruits containing a large amount of fiber, as well as spicy, salty, fatty, fried and pickled foods are excluded. The total volume of food in the first 1-2 days is reduced by 15-20% of the physiological need. Food is given warm in 5-6 doses.
- In moderate cases, fractional feeding is prescribed with a reduction in the daily food volume by 20-30% during the first 2-3 days. With the improvement of the general condition, the disappearance of symptoms of intoxication and intestinal dysfunction, the food volume is quickly brought to the physiological norm, and the diet is expanded.
- In severe cases, if possible, immediately carry out fractional feeding with a reduction in the volume of food by 40-50% in the first 2-3 days. In the following days, the daily volume of food is increased daily by 10-15% and the intervals between feedings are extended.
Antibiotics are usually prescribed for severe forms of dysentery (shigellosis) and preferably taking into account the sensitivity of the shigella circulating in a given area (region). Gentamicin, polymyxin M, ampicillin, amoxiclav, amoxicillin, nevigramon are used. For moderate and mild forms of shigellosis, it is better to prescribe nitrofurans (furazolidone, nifuroxazide), 8-oxyquinolines (chlorquinaldol, etc.). The course of treatment should not exceed 5-7 days.
In case of isolation of shigella after a course of antibacterial therapy, repeated administration of antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs is not recommended even taking into account the sensitivity of the isolated strain. In these cases, it is more appropriate to prescribe a 5-7-day course of dysentery bacteriophage, stimulating therapy, immunoglobulin complex preparation (ICP) orally in 1-2 doses for 5 days. In case of persistent intestinal dysfunction, bacterial preparations (Acipol, Bifistim, Bifidumbacterin, Lactobacterin, etc.), prebiotics (Lactofiltrum), enzyme preparations (microgranulated pancreatin - Micrazim), phyto- and physiotherapy are indicated.