Decreased food intake in children with severe dysentery due to Shigella dysenteriae 1 infection

The role of Shigella dysenteriae 1 infection in food intake of children afflicted with acute dysentery have been examined. Results show that S. dysenteriae 1 significantly reduced food consumption and energy intake by 82kJ/kg.d compared with other Shigella strains. Past research reveal that the severe anorexia can be attributed to the presence of toxins and the release of interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor in S. dysenteriae 1 infection. However, intensive feeding and persuasion was found to be effective in overcoming S. dysenteriae-produced anorexia in children.