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Rachel V Thomas

Shigella Driving Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial Diarrhea Among Gay Men in UK, Lancet Study Finds

A sexually transmitted form of <span>Shigella</span>, a highly contagious bacterium that causes severe diarrhea, is spreading rapidly among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in the UK, according to a new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

The study, led by researchers at the University of Cambridge, found that sexually transmitted Shigella strains are spreading faster than non-sexually transmitted strains and evolving resistance to key antibiotics at an alarming rate.

“Many men who have sex with men are unaware of the serious and increasing risk posed by sexually transmitted Shigella,” said Professor Kate Baker, senior author of the study from Cambridge’s Department of Genetics.

“Sexual infection is now a sustained part of Shigella transmission in the UK. It is vital that this message reaches the communities most affected, so we can help to prevent the spread,” Baker said.

“Sexually transmissible shigellosis needs to be treated as a distinct public health threat, requiring different surveillance, prevention, and treatment strategies.”

 Also read:<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/cancer-kills-over-26000-daily-cases-to-hit-35-million-by-2050-says-who-report-article-155011381" data-type="tilCustomLink"> Cancer Kills Over 26,000 Daily; Cases to Hit 35 Million by 2050, Says WHO Report</a>

Using genomic sequencing techniques similar to those used to track COVID-19 variants, researchers mapped how Shigella bacteria spread and evolved across the UK. The study, conducted in collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), analyzed 3,514 laboratory-confirmed Shigella samples collected across the UK between 2004 and 2020 from people aged 16 years and older. 

Sexually transmitted Shigella spread significantly faster than strains acquired through food, travel, or other non-sexual routes. 

Over an evolutionary period of about 2.5 years, sexually transmitted strains spread an average of 117 km between related cases, compared with 46 km for non-sexually transmitted strains.

Sexually transmitted Shigella is primarily circulating within GBMSM sexual networks, particularly in major cities including London, Brighton and Manchester.

No statistically significant increase was seen among non-GBMSM populations, and little evidence was found that infections are spreading widely beyond these sexual networks.

More than half of all Shigella infections in the UK are now sexually transmitted.

Around 30% are linked to international travel, while the remaining cases result from localized outbreaks, particularly among young children, and household transmission.

<h2>How to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Shigella</h2>

<strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/do-arsenic-lead-and-other-metals-in-tampons-pose-a-health-risk-fda-says-no-article-155016148" data-type="tilCustomLink">Can Arsenic, Lead and Other Metals In Tampons Pose A Health Risk? FDA Says No</a>

Professor Baker recommended the following steps to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted Shigella: 

<ul><li>Avoid sexual activity if you have diarrhea or are recovering from a recent diarrheal illness. </li><li>Wait at least two weeks after you have fully recovered before resuming sexual activity. </li><li>Tell your doctor about your sexual history if you seek medical care for diarrhea or related symptoms. </li><li>Ask for a comprehensive sexual health screening if you may have been exposed.</li></ul>  

<h2>Growing <span rel="noindex">Antibiotic Resistance</span> Raises Concern</h2>

The Odyssey Star Matt Damon Reveals The Food He Had to Quit For Good #shorts #shortsfeeds

Researchers found that antibiotic-resistant sexually transmitted Shigella strains are spreading 71% faster than drug-susceptible strains. More than 70% of sexually transmitted Shigella strains were resistant to at least one clinically important antibiotic.

“This isn’t just one form of sexually transmissible diarrhea. This is multiple overlapping variants emerging that are all quickly becoming resistant to the drugs we use to treat them,” said Baker. “It’s highly likely that if you contracted your Shigella through sex you require different treatment to someone who contracted it through travel.”

Researchers also believe the rise in resistance may partly be driven by antibiotics prescribed to treat or prevent other sexually transmitted infections.

“Our evidence suggests that the variants of Shigella transmitting in sexual networks were actually getting resistant against treatments for other STIs, like gonorrhoea, so people need to remember that when they’re taking antibiotics they’re treating their whole body,” said Baker. 

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A sexually transmitted form of Shigella, a highly contagious bacterium that causes severe diarrhea, is spreading rapidly among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in the UK, according to a new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. The study, led by researchers at the University of Cambridge, found that sexually transmitted Shigella strains are spreading faster than non-sexually transmitted strains and evolving resistance to key antibiotics at an alarming rate. “Many men who have sex with men are unaware of the serious and increasing risk posed by sexually transmitted Shigella,” said Professor Kate Baker, senior author of the study from Cambridge’s Department of Genetics. “Sexual infection is now a sustained part of Shigella transmission in the UK. It is vital that this message reaches the communities most affected, so we can help to prevent the spread,” Baker said. “Sexually transmissible shigellosis needs to be treated as a distinct public health threat, requiring different surveillance, prevention, and treatment strategies.” What Did The Study Find? Also read: Cancer Kills Over 26,000 Daily; Cases to Hit 35 Million by 2050, Says WHO ReportUsing genomic sequencing techniques similar to those used to track COVID-19 variants, researchers mapped how Shigella bacteria spread and evolved across the UK. The study, conducted in collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), analyzed 3,514 laboratory-confirmed Shigella samples collected across the UK between 2004 and 2020 from people aged 16 years and older. Sexually transmitted Shigella spread significantly faster than strains acquired through food, travel, or other non-sexual routes. Over an evolutionary period of about 2.5 years, sexually transmitted strains spread an average of 117 km between related cases, compared with 46 km for non-sexually transmitted strains.Sexually transmitted Shigella is primarily circulating within GBMSM sexual networks, particularly in major cities including London, Brighton and Manchester. No statistically significant increase was seen among non-GBMSM populations, and little evidence was found that infections are spreading widely beyond these sexual networks. More than half of all Shigella infections in the UK are now sexually transmitted. Around 30% are linked to international travel, while the remaining cases result from localized outbreaks, particularly among young children, and household transmission.How to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Shigella Read More: Can Arsenic, Lead and Other Metals In Tampons Pose A Health Risk? FDA Says NoProfessor Baker recommended the following steps to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted Shigella: Avoid sexual activity if you have diarrhea or are recovering from a recent diarrheal illness. Wait at least two weeks after you have fully recovered before resuming sexual activity. Tell your doctor about your sexual history if you seek medical care for diarrhea or related symptoms. Ask for a comprehensive sexual health screening if you may have been exposed.  Growing Antibiotic Resistance Raises Concern    Researchers found that antibiotic-resistant sexually transmitted Shigella strains are spreading 71% faster than drug-susceptible strains. More than 70% of sexually transmitted Shigella strains were resistant to at least one clinically important antibiotic. “This isn’t just one form of sexually transmissible diarrhea. This is multiple overlapping variants emerging that are all quickly becoming resistant to the drugs we use to treat them,” said Baker. “It’s highly likely that if you contracted your Shigella through sex you require different treatment to someone who contracted it through travel.” Researchers also believe the rise in resistance may partly be driven by antibiotics prescribed to treat or prevent other sexually transmitted infections. “Our evidence suggests that the variants of Shigella transmitting in sexual networks were actually getting resistant against treatments for other STIs, like gonorrhoea, so people need to remember that when they’re taking antibiotics they’re treating their whole body,” said Baker. 

shigella driving antibiotic-resistant bacterial diarrhea among gay men in uk, lancet study finds

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Shigella Driving Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial Diarrhea Among Gay Men in UK, Lancet Study Finds

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