What type of bacteria is Shigella classified as?

Shigella is classified as bacilli, which means it has a rod-shaped morphology. This classification stems from its systematic arrangement and structure. Bacilli are typically elongated and cylindrical, which allows for certain physiological characteristics such as the ability to move efficiently in liquid environments, and this is relevant to Shigella's transmission and pathogenicity.

The classification of bacteria into shapes helps in their identification and understanding their characteristics. For instance, cocci are spherical bacteria, which would not describe the shape of Shigella. Spirilla refer to bacteria that are spiral-shaped, and Vibrio are characterized by their comma-like structure. Shigella, being rod-shaped, fits squarely into the bacilli category, which is essential for microbiologists and healthcare professionals in diagnosing infections and determining treatment approaches.