• There has been an increase in 53% of XDR strains of Shigella sonnei cases with non-susceptibility to multiple groups of antibiotics in the UK.

• The groups of antibiotics that were found to be resistant in the United Kingdom are:

1.  Penicillins.

2. 3rd generation Cephalosporins.

3. Aminoglycosides.

4. Tetracyclines.

5. Sulphonamides.

6. Quinolones.

7. Azithromycin. 

• Although Shigellosis is commonly associated with exposure to food or water that human feces have contaminated, cases have been reported across England, mainly in men who have sex with men (MSM).

• Shigellosis is a highly infectious gastrointestinal condition with mild diarrhea to moderate dysentery symptoms.

• There is a concerning rise in cases of this antibiotic-resistant strain, which would mean difficulty in treating the patient.

• The practice of good hygiene after sex is one of the protective factors.

• According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), further cases are very likely to occur, particularly among MSM.

• This may not be restricted to the affected countries but may also involve other member states because of the interconnected nature of MSM sexual networks in Europe.

• ECDC is also encouraging member states to ensure that antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Shigella is done for appropriate antimicrobial treatment.

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