What symptom is characteristic of Shigella infection?

Shigella infection is particularly known for causing diarrhea that is often bloody and may be accompanied by mucus, which is a hallmark symptom of this type of bacterial gastroenteritis. The presence of blood and mucus in the stool indicates inflammation of the intestinal lining, which is a direct result of the virulence factors and toxic mechanisms employed by Shigella species. The bacteria invade the epithelial cells of the intestines, leading to ulceration and inflammation, which results in the characteristic dysentery-like symptoms, including the specific combination of diarrhea mixed with blood and mucus.

In contrast, other symptoms such as non-bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal bloating, or fever without diarrhea do not accurately reflect the clinical presentation typically seen in Shigella infections. Non-bloody diarrhea is more commonly associated with other gastrointestinal pathogens, while fever may occur in various infectious conditions but is not exclusively linked to Shigella. Similarly, severe abdominal bloating could result from a range of gastrointestinal issues but does not specifically indicate a Shigella infection. Thus, recognizing diarrhea with blood and mucus as a key symptom helps differentiate Shigella from other pathogens causing gastrointestinal distress.