Shigella infections rise in US amid antibiotic resistance concerns

Shigella infections, which cause dysentery, are seeing a rise in the United States, with growing concerns regarding antibiotic resistance. The bacteria, which can cause bloody diarrhea, fever, and severe dehydration, affects approximately 450,000 to 500,000 people in the US annually.

Health experts have noted a significant shift in transmission patterns. While the bacteria typically spreads through contaminated food, water, or poor hand hygiene, a study published in July indicates that sexual transmission grew 15% faster year-over-year between 2015 and 2020 compared to transmission via travel, food, or childcare outbreaks. This trend has led to an increase in cases among gay and bisexual men.

A major clinical concern is the emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains. These strains are increasingly difficult to treat as they show resistance to common oral antibiotics, complicating management for clinics and health departments. While children under five, international travelers, and people experiencing homelessness remain high-risk groups, the evolving resistance profile and changing transmission routes present new public health challenges.