Shigella is an example of which type of pathogen?

Shigella is classified as a bacterial infection. It is a genus of bacteria known to cause gastrointestinal illness, specifically shigellosis, which is characterized by diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. The bacteria are typically transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated food or water, and can lead to outbreaks, especially in settings with poor sanitation.

Understanding that Shigella is a bacterium highlights its characteristics, such as its structure, the diseases it causes, and how it spreads. Bacterial infections are different from viral infections, fungi, or parasites in terms of their cellular structure and the way they reproduce. This knowledge is crucial for implementing appropriate food safety measures, as each type of pathogen requires different approaches to prevention and control.