DefinitionShigellosis is an acute bacterial infection of the lining of the intestines.Alternative NamesShigella gastroenteritis; Shigella enteritis; Enteritis - shigella; Gastroenteritis - shigellaCauses, incidence, and risk factorsShigellosis is caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella.There are several types of Shigella.Shigella sonnei, also called "group D" Shigella, is responsible for most cases of shigellosis in the United States.Shigella flexneri, or "group B" Shigella, cause almost all other cases.Shigella dysenteriae type 1 is rare in the U.S. but can lead to deadly outbreaks in developing countries.People infected with the bacteria release it into their stool. The bacteria can spread from an infected person to contaminate water or food, or directly to another person. Getting