Shiga Kiyoshi (1871-1957) was a Japanese physician and bacteriologist. Shiga graduated from Tokyo Imperial University Medical School 1896, and went to work with Kitasato at the Institute for the Study of Infectious Diseases. During a severe epidemic of dysentery, 1897-98, Shiga discovered the effective bacterium, subsequently named in his honor Shigella dysenteriae. The "shiga toxin" is produced by the microbe, a non spore-forming, non-motile rod-shaped gram-negative bacillus. Transmission, feared by hygienists, is by highly effective contaminated water supplies, and via unwashed hands, food, unwashed vegetables etc. From 1901 to 1905 Shiga worked with Ehrlich in Germany before returning to Japan.
Created 8 February 2023