Shigellosis induces anemia by loss of blood (RBC and WBC) in the feces.46 Nitric oxide also promotes the migration of leukocytes to the inflammatory focus.43 The production of IL‐1β and the recruitment of neutrophils through the intestinal epithelial layer induced by Shigella are responsible for the apoptosis of macrophages4 that could lead to a decrease of the total number of white blood cells in blood circulation.30 Rats treated with 50 mg/kg O barrelieri extract exhibited low levels of WBC, RBC, Ht, and Hb. This evidence concerns the gene IL1B and anemia (phenotype).