Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Understanding and Combatting Shigella Infections
Published on: February 9, 2024
Shigella infections in children: new insights
1Department of Pediatrics A, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, 14 Kaplan Street, Petah Tikva 49202, Israel. ashai@post.tau.ac.il
Insights
Shigellosis, an acute enteric infection, affects millions globally, particularly young children. Rising antimicrobial resistance poses a significant challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic and vaccine strategies.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Shigellosis is a widespread enteric infection caused by Shigella bacteria, with millions of cases and deaths annually, predominantly in developing nations.
- Children under five are disproportionately affected, accounting for a majority of shigellosis episodes and deaths.
- While typically affecting the colonic mucosa, shigellosis can lead to severe extraintestinal complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding Shigella-induced bacteremia, surgical complications, urogenital and neurological manifestations.
- To highlight unique clinical presentations in neonates.
- To discuss the challenges posed by increasing antimicrobial resistance and the need for new treatments and vaccines.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent publications on clinical characteristics and pathophysiology of shigellosis.
- Analysis of data on bacterial virulence factors and host responses.
- Assessment of current treatment strategies, including oral rehydration and antibiotics.
Main Results:
- Shigellosis can cause significant extraintestinal complications, including bacteremia and neurological issues.
- Increasing antimicrobial resistance in Shigella strains is a major global health concern.
- Recent research has elucidated molecular mechanisms of shigellosis and its complications.
Conclusions:
- Effective management includes fluid/electrolyte correction and appropriate antibiotics, but resistance is a growing problem.
- A deeper understanding of shigellosis pathophysiology is crucial for developing innovative therapies and vaccines.
- Future research should focus on combating antimicrobial resistance and developing novel prevention and treatment strategies.
Abstract:
Shigellosis , the acute enteric infection caused by bacteria of the genus Shigella , has a worldwide distribution with an estimated annual incidence of 164.7 million cases, of which 163.2 million occur in developing countries, and 1.1 million deaths. Sixty-nine percent of all episodes and 61 percent of all Shigella -related deaths involve children younger than 5 years old. In the United States, 10,000 to 15,000 cases of shigellosis are reported each year. Although usually confined to the colonic mucosa, shigellosis sometimes can cause extraintestinal complications. Recent publications have shed light on the clinical characteristics of Shigella -induced bacteremia, surgical complications, urogenital symptoms, and neurologic manifestations, and on the unique manifestations in the neonatal period. The mainstay of treatment of shigellosis in children is correction of the fluid and electrolyte loss, which often is achieved by the administration of oral rehydration solutions. Appropriate antibiotic therapy shortens the duration of both clinical symptoms and fecal excretion of the pathogen. However, the increasing antimicrobial resistance of shigellae worldwide constitutes a major problem. Regarding the pathophysiology of shigellosis and its complications, recent data not only elucidated the molecular mechanisms involved but also linked manifestations of disease to the interplay of bacterial virulence factors and host responses. The improved understanding of the pathophysiology is hoped to lead to innovative therapeutic approaches against shigellosis and new generations of vaccine candidates.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
01:26Stages of Infection
01:26Defense Mechanism Against Infection
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...