| Description | Shigella sonnei is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in a temperature range of 25-37°C, falling under the category of mesophiles. As a chemoheterotroph, it obtains its energy by breaking down organic compounds, specifically requiring a supply of nutrients from its environment. S. sonnei's energy production involves the breakdown of glucose and other carbon sources through fermentation, involving the conversion of glucose into lactate and ethanol as byproducts. The bacterium's cell wall is characterized by a gram-negative staining pattern, indicating the presence of a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane. Its rod-shaped morphology allows it to fit within the tight spaces of the human gut, where it can colonize and reproduce. S. sonnei is known to infect various body sites, including the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, and genital tract, making it a relevant pathogen in both humans and animals. Its ability to infect multiple sites is attributed to its ability to survive and replicate in a variety of environments. In terms of oxygen preference, S. sonnei is an obligate anaerobe, meaning it cannot tolerate oxygen and grows best in the absence of oxygen. This is reflected in its ability to inhibit the growth of other microorganisms that require oxygen, allowing it to dominate the environment. Shigella sonnei is often referred to as the most common cause of reported Shigella infections worldwide, with a global distribution. Its mode of transmission is primarily through the fecal-oral route, where infected individuals contaminate their environment with the bacterium, which is then ingested by others. |
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