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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Understanding and Combatting Shigella Infections
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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Understanding and Combatting Shigella Infections

Published on: February 9, 2024

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Disparities in Incidence and Severity of Shigella Infections Among Children-Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance

Radhika Gharpure1,2, Zachary A Marsh1, Danielle M Tack1

  • 1Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
|June 19, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Shigella infections disproportionately affect young children, with incidence and severity varying by age, race, and species. Further research into pediatric subpopulations is needed to understand unique risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Public health surveillance

Background:

  • Shigella infections are a significant cause of childhood diarrhea with potential for severe complications.
  • Existing data highlight disparities in Shigella infections among US adults.
  • This study aimed to characterize disparities in Shigella infection incidence and severity among US children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze disparities in the incidence and severity of Shigella infections in US children.
  • To stratify infection rates by demographic factors and Shigella species.
  • To identify risk factors associated with severe Shigella infections in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized FoodNet data on laboratory-diagnosed Shigella infections in children from 2009-2018.
  • Calculated incidence rates stratified by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and Shigella species.
  • Defined severe infections by hospitalization, bacteremia, or death; logistic regression analyzed odds of severity.

Main Results:

  • Over 10,000 Shigella infections reported in children; 14% were severe.
  • Incidence was highest in 1-4 year olds, but severity proportion was highest in 13-17 year olds.
  • Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native children showed higher incidence rates.
  • Non-sonnei Shigella species infections had significantly higher odds of severity (aOR 2.58).

Conclusions:

  • Shigella infection incidence and severity in US children exhibit significant variation by age, race/ethnicity, and species.
  • These disparities underscore the need for targeted investigations into risk factors within specific pediatric subpopulations.
  • Findings highlight the importance of continued surveillance for Shigella infections in children.
Abstract

Keywords:
Shigellagastrointestinal infectionshealth disparitiespediatricshigellosis

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