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Updated: Aug 29, 2026
04:56
Epithelial Cell Infection Analyses with Shigella
Published on: February 9, 2024
[Shigellosis, a sexually transmitted disease in homosexual men]
L P Bovée1, P G Peerbooms, J A van den Hoek
1Gemeentelijke Geneeskundige en Gezondheidsdienst, afd. Infectieziekten, Postbus 2200, 1000 CE Amsterdam.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|December 26, 2003
Abstract:
A study of the registered number of Shigella infections in Amsterdam for the period 1997-2001 revealed that in 2001, there was an increase in the number of homosexual patients with oral-anal contacts as source for their infections. All of these infections were caused by subtype Shigella sonnei. The infections were not associated with a specific meeting place for homosexual men. A relationship with an underlying HIV-infection is likely.
Insights
In 2001, Amsterdam saw more Shigella sonnei infections among homosexual men, often linked to oral-anal contact. Underlying HIV infection may be a contributing factor.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Shigella infections pose a public health concern, particularly in urban settings.
- Understanding transmission routes is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in Shigella infections in Amsterdam from 1997-2001.
- To investigate potential risk factors and transmission patterns, especially within the homosexual community.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of registered Shigella infection data in Amsterdam.
- Focus on the period 1997-2001, with detailed examination of 2001 cases.
- Correlation analysis to identify potential sources and risk factors.
Main Results:
- A notable increase in Shigella infections was observed in 2001 among homosexual men.
- Oral-anal contact was identified as a common source of infection in this demographic.
- All identified infections were caused by the Shigella sonnei subtype.
- No specific venue was linked to the observed increase in infections.
- A likely association with underlying Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection was suggested.
Conclusions:
- The findings highlight a specific transmission pattern of Shigella sonnei within the homosexual community in Amsterdam.
- Oral-anal contact represents a significant risk factor for Shigella sonnei transmission in this population.
- The potential role of HIV infection warrants further investigation and targeted public health interventions.
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