Plesiomonas - Information for Patients
What kind of infection is it?
Plesiomonas shigelloides is a bacterial infection that causes an infection of the intestines.
How do people get infected?
- Plesiomonas shigelloides can be found in the intestines of people sick with Plesiomonas and in some animals.
- Most infections are thought to come from drinking or swimming in contaminated water or eating raw shellfish. Plesiomonas infection has also been associated with travel to tropical regions and exposure to reptiles or tropical fish.
What are the usual symptoms?
- Illness usually starts 24-48 hours after exposure.
- Diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, fever, and chills.
- Diarrhea may have mucuous or blood.
How long does it last?
- Typically 1-3 days without treatment.
How is it treated?
- Prevent dehydration by drinking fluids. Warning signs of dehydration include dry mouth, decreased urination, or dizziness.
- Most people will get better without antibiotics.
- For more severe illness or for people with weakened immune systems, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.
Are there possible complications?
- Occassionally, diarrhea can be severe or prolonged.
- Very rarely, Plesiomonas can cause a blood stream or other type of infection. This usually occurs in people with severely weakened immune systems.
Comments:
- Wash hands carefully after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before and after cooking.
- To prevent Plesiomonas, avoid drinking untreated water or uncooked shellfish.
- Avoid swimming pools or water parks until fully recovered.
- People with diarrhea should not prepare food.