Cefotaximase and AmpC-producing Shigella flexneri in case of dysentery from southern India
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Imaging Ca2+ Responses During Shigella Infection of Epithelial Cells
Published on: May 24, 2018
S Oommen1, P M Sivan Pillai, S Sushamabai
1Department of Microbiology, Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Tiruvalla, Kerala, India.
Abstract:
Diarrhoea and dysentery caused by Shigella spp. are major public health concerns. Emerging multidrug resistance (MDR) in this pathogen further complicates this disease. Extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) have been described in this pathogen, which significantly compromises the treatment options for shigellosis. The usual ESBLs seen are sulfhydryl variable (SHV)-type; cefotaximases (CTX-M) are very uncommonly detected. Here, we report a CTX-M type and AmpC-producing Shigella flexneri from a three-year-old boy residing in Central Kerala, South India.
Insights
Multidrug-resistant Shigella flexneri, a cause of dysentery, is a growing concern. Researchers identified a rare CTX-M type and AmpC-producing strain in India, highlighting treatment challenges.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Shigella species cause significant public health issues like diarrhoea and dysentery.
- Multidrug resistance (MDR) in Shigella complicates treatment, with extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) being a major concern.
Observation:
- Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) are known in Shigella, typically of the sulfhydryl variable (SHV)-type.
- CTX-M type ESBLs are rarely detected in Shigella infections.
Findings:
- This study reports a rare case of CTX-M type and AmpC-producing Shigella flexneri.
- The isolate was identified in a three-year-old boy from Central Kerala, South India.
Implications:
- The emergence of CTX-M and AmpC in Shigella flexneri poses a significant threat to effective shigellosis treatment.
- This finding underscores the need for continuous surveillance of antimicrobial resistance patterns in pathogens like Shigella.

