A rise in antibiotic-resistant Shigella bacteria is causing concern among health experts, who emphasize the importance of awareness without inducing panic.
Shigella bacteria, responsible for a highly contagious gut infection known as shigellosis, are becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. Health officials are urging Americans to be aware of this growing issue, but they stress that there is no need for panic.
According to an April report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 17,000 samples of Shigella collected between 2011 and 2023 were analyzed. The findings revealed that in 2023, 8.5% of Shigella samples with resistance data were classified as extensively drug-resistant (XDR), meaning they are resistant to all five antibiotics defined by the CDC. This marks a significant increase from the period between 2011 and 2015, when no samples were classified as XDR.
Dr. Tyler Evans, an infectious disease physician based in California and CEO of Wellness Equity Alliance, noted that the rise in drug-resistant strains indicates a growing resistance problem rather than a surge in overall infections. “The infection is not surging. The bacteria are changing,” Evans explained. “Case counts can hold steady while the treatment options quietly disappear.” He emphasized that there is currently no FDA-approved oral antibiotic available for treating XDR Shigella.
Shigella bacteria can be transmitted when tiny amounts of stool come into contact with a person’s mouth. This can occur through contaminated food or water, unwashed hands, or sexual activity. Dr. Andi Toufexis, a family medicine physician specializing in sexual health, clarified that while Shigella is not typically classified as a sexually transmitted infection, it can be spread through sexual contact when one partner comes into contact with the other’s fecal matter.
Although Shigella is not a new concern, the increasing prevalence of XDR strains is alarming. The CDC report indicated that most individuals with XDR Shigella were adult men. However, the report did not routinely collect data on sexual exposure, making it difficult to determine the exact transmission routes. Previous research has identified sexual contact among men who have sex with men as a significant transmission pathway.
The report revealed that 86% of XDR patients were men with a median age of 41, and nearly half of those with known HIV status were living with HIV. Additionally, individuals experiencing homelessness and those with weakened immune systems may be at greater risk for infection.
Children under the age of five are particularly susceptible to Shigella, with many outbreaks in the U.S. linked to childcare facilities and schools. Earlier outbreaks primarily affected children and involved strains that were susceptible to antibiotics. The CDC reported that 37.6% of patients with hospitalization data were hospitalized due to the antibiotic-resistant infection. Fortunately, no deaths were recorded among the analyzed XDR cases, although the CDC acknowledged that infections may be underreported since not all positive specimens were cultured or tested for resistance.
Dr. Evans advised that while Americans should be concerned about the rise of XDR Shigella, there is no reason to panic. Most Shigella infections resolve on their own, according to Dr. Toufexis, although severe cases may require medical treatment.
Dr. Michael Aziz, an internist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and author of “The Perfect 10 Diet” and “The Ageless Revolution,” emphasized the importance of seeking medical advice for those who suspect they may have Shigella. He cautioned against self-medicating with antidiarrheal medications like Imodium, stating, “You want to flush out the bacteria; you want to get it out of your system.”
To minimize the risk of infection, health professionals recommend practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands, genitals, and the anal area before and after sexual activity. Using condoms or dental dams and thoroughly cleaning sex toys after each use can also help reduce transmission. Dr. Toufexis advised that if you or a partner experiences diarrhea, it is best to avoid sexual activity and wait at least two weeks after symptoms have resolved before resuming sexual contact. “Feeling better does not always mean that an infection is completely gone,” she cautioned.
As the situation evolves, health experts continue to monitor the rise of antibiotic-resistant Shigella and its implications for public health, urging vigilance and responsible health practices.
According to Fox News, the rise of XDR Shigella is a significant concern, but awareness and preventive measures can help mitigate its impact.