What is the specific genus responsible for shigellosis?

The genus specifically responsible for shigellosis is Shigella. This genus includes several species that are known to cause intestinal infection leading to the symptoms associated with shigellosis, such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Shigella is transmitted via fecal-oral routes, often through contaminated food or water, and is characterized by its ability to invade the epithelial cells of the intestinal lining.

Understanding the context of other genera is helpful. For instance, Escherichia, which includes the well-known Escherichia coli, can cause various conditions but is not specifically linked to shigellosis. Salmonella is another pathogen that causes foodborne illness, but it is distinct from Shigella and causes different types of infections. Vibrio is primarily associated with gastrointestinal illness from seafood consumption, notably Vibrio cholerae causing cholera, thus not related to shigellosis. Therefore, recognizing that Shigella is the specific pathogen is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment of shigellosis.