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Rachel V Thomas

US CDC Warns Rising Drug-Resistant Shigella Cases A Public Health Threat: Here’s How To Prevent

Cases of drug-resistant <span>Shigella</span> infections are increasing significantly in the US and pose a “public health threat,” warned the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (<span>CDC</span>) in its latest report. 

Shigella is a highly infectious bacterium that causes gastrointestinal illness, commonly known as shigellosis.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/enough-of-toxicity-ill-fight-it-alone-says-dr-sivaranjani-santosh-after-resigning-from-iap-exclusive-article-154084883" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">‘Enough of Toxicity, I’ll Fight It Alone,’ Says Dr Sivaranjani Santosh After Resigning from IAP | EXCLUSIVE </a>  

According to the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published on April 9, out of the 17,000 samples tested, the percentage found to have drug-resistant Shigella bacteria grew from 0 per cent in 2011 to 8.5 per cent in 2023. 

The CDC noted that shigellosis is a nationally notifiable disease in the US. 

Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella is a Shigella species that is resistant to common <span>antibiotics</span> such as ampicillin, azithromycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. 

“It is a public health concern because no Food and Drug Administration–approved oral antimicrobial agents are available; alternative oral treatment options are limited, and resistance genes can spread to other enteric bacteria,” the CDC said.

The <span>antimicrobial resistance</span> was characterized using whole-genome sequencing data and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The report also found that among patients with XDR shigellosis, the median patient age was 41 years, and 86.2 per cent were men. 

“Whereas earlier US outbreaks involved drug-susceptible strains and primarily affected children, national surveillance data indicate that most [drug-resistant] cases occurred among men,” the CDC noted. 

“Approximately one-third of patients were hospitalized.” 

Among 116 persons with available HIV status, 46.6 per cent reported HIV co-infection. 

The CDC called for “strengthened surveillance, timely reporting, and targeted prevention strategies to limit transmission of XDR Shigella strains”. 

<h2>What Is Shigella And Why Is It Concerning? </h2>

Shigellosis is a highly infectious <span>diarrheal illness</span> caused by gram-negative bacteria. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, which can range from mild to severe. 

The disease onset occurs typically within 1 to 3 days of ingestion of the bacteria, with fever, diarrhea, body aches, and headache. 

Globally, the burden is significant. Estimates suggest around 188 million cases occur each year, leading to over 1.6 lakh deaths. 

The infection spreads easily through contact with contaminated food, water, or surfaces, and even through person-to-person transmission. This makes it particularly concerning in travel settings such as hotels and resorts, where shared facilities are common. 

Houseflies can also spread the bacteria. Flies transmit the bacteria from human feces to food, water, and surfaces, contributing to up to 37 percent of cases in some regions, according to a study published in the PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 

<h2>Shigella: Are Young Children At High Risk? </h2>

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Ex-President of IMA Cochin and Convener of the Research Cell, Kerala, explained that even a small number of bacteria—as few as 10 —is enough to cause infection. 

It is because the Shigellosis bacteria “is able to withstand the hostile acidic environment of the human stomach. Outside the human body, it can stay alive in water for weeks together,” he said. 

Shigella is most severe in children below the age of five, as their immune systems are less efficient at clearing the infection early. 

“Adults also become ill, but acquired immunity from childhood keeps the infection mild in many instances,” the expert said. 

“Shigella outbreaks can occur in crowded places such as anganwadis (creches), where children come into close physical contact with each other and share toys. Very young children also have the habit of putting their fingers in their mouths, which enables the bacteria to gain access to their gut,” Dr. Jayadevan added. 

Dr. Jayadevan said. stressed the need for early recognition and treatment with appropriate antibiotics. 

ORS can help prevent dehydration, while Zinc tablets can enhance recovery. 

The CDC suggests several steps to avoid getting or spreading shigella, including:

<ul><li>Wash your hands properly, especially after toilet use and before eating food.</li><li>Avoid swallowing water while swimming.</li><li>Follow safe food and water habits when traveling.</li><li>If you or your partner is diagnosed with shigellosis, do not have sex for at least two weeks after symptoms end.</li></ul>

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Cases of drug-resistant Shigella infections are increasing significantly in the US and pose a “public health threat,” warned the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in its latest report. Shigella is a highly infectious bacterium that causes gastrointestinal illness, commonly known as shigellosis.Also Read: ‘Enough of Toxicity, I’ll Fight It Alone,’ Says Dr Sivaranjani Santosh After Resigning from IAP | EXCLUSIVE    According to the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published on April 9, out of the 17,000 samples tested, the percentage found to have drug-resistant Shigella bacteria grew from 0 per cent in 2011 to 8.5 per cent in 2023. The CDC noted that shigellosis is a nationally notifiable disease in the US. Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella is a Shigella species that is resistant to common antibiotics such as ampicillin, azithromycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. “It is a public health concern because no Food and Drug Administration–approved oral antimicrobial agents are available; alternative oral treatment options are limited, and resistance genes can spread to other enteric bacteria,” the CDC said.The antimicrobial resistance was characterized using whole-genome sequencing data and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The report also found that among patients with XDR shigellosis, the median patient age was 41 years, and 86.2 per cent were men. “Whereas earlier US outbreaks involved drug-susceptible strains and primarily affected children, national surveillance data indicate that most [drug-resistant] cases occurred among men,” the CDC noted. “Approximately one-third of patients were hospitalized.” Among 116 persons with available HIV status, 46.6 per cent reported HIV co-infection. The CDC called for “strengthened surveillance, timely reporting, and targeted prevention strategies to limit transmission of XDR Shigella strains”.  What Is Shigella And Why Is It Concerning?  Shigellosis is a highly infectious diarrheal illness caused by gram-negative bacteria. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, which can range from mild to severe.  The disease onset occurs typically within 1 to 3 days of ingestion of the bacteria, with fever, diarrhea, body aches, and headache.  Globally, the burden is significant. Estimates suggest around 188 million cases occur each year, leading to over 1.6 lakh deaths.  The infection spreads easily through contact with contaminated food, water, or surfaces, and even through person-to-person transmission. This makes it particularly concerning in travel settings such as hotels and resorts, where shared facilities are common.  Houseflies can also spread the bacteria. Flies transmit the bacteria from human feces to food, water, and surfaces, contributing to up to 37 percent of cases in some regions, according to a study published in the PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases  Shigella: Are Young Children At High Risk?  Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Ex-President of IMA Cochin and Convener of the Research Cell, Kerala, explained that even a small number of bacteria—as few as 10 —is enough to cause infection.  It is because the Shigellosis bacteria “is able to withstand the hostile acidic environment of the human stomach. Outside the human body, it can stay alive in water for weeks together,” he said.  Shigella is most severe in children below the age of five, as their immune systems are less efficient at clearing the infection early.  “Adults also become ill, but acquired immunity from childhood keeps the infection mild in many instances,” the expert said.  “Shigella outbreaks can occur in crowded places such as anganwadis (creches), where children come into close physical contact with each other and share toys. Very young children also have the habit of putting their fingers in their mouths, which enables the bacteria to gain access to their gut,” Dr. Jayadevan added.  Shigella: How To Prevent Dr. Jayadevan said. stressed the need for early recognition and treatment with appropriate antibiotics. ORS can help prevent dehydration, while Zinc tablets can enhance recovery. The CDC suggests several steps to avoid getting or spreading shigella, including:Wash your hands properly, especially after toilet use and before eating food.Avoid swallowing water while swimming.Follow safe food and water habits when traveling.If you or your partner is diagnosed with shigellosis, do not have sex for at least two weeks after symptoms end.

us cdc warns rising drug-resistant shigella cases a public health threat: here’s how to prevent

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US CDC Warns Rising Drug-Resistant Shigella Cases A Public Health Threat: Here’s How To Prevent

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