Related Experiment Videos
[Analysis of 1185 strains of Shigella isolated in Mexico from 1982 to 1993]
L Gutiérrez-Cogco1, C González-Bonilla, P Figueroa-Arredondo
1Laboratorio de Bacteriología Entérica, Instituto Nacional de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos, México, D.F., Mexico.
Abstract:
During the period from 1982 to 1993, 1185 Shigella strains from the National Network of Diarrhoeal Laboratories were sent to the Enteric Bacteriology Laboratory of INDRE. These strains from patients of various ages with diarrhoeal illness were serologically confirmed. The frequency was as follows: S. flexneri (61.35%), S. sonnei (26%), S. dysenteriae (6.4%) and S. boydii (6.2%). S. dysenteriae 1 is an epidemiologicaly important species because it has caused diarrhoeal outbreaks on the southern border of Mexico that later spread through Central America. It must be considered that the 20 isolates obtained in 1989 were from an intentional search focused on S. dysenteriae. Authors pretend to continue with epidemiological surveillance focused on Shigella and intensify the intentional search in order to identify possible human or environmental S. dysenteriae 1 reservoires.
Insights
Shigella flexneri was the most common cause of diarrhoeal illness from 1982-1993. Researchers aim to enhance surveillance for Shigella dysenteriae 1 to identify potential reservoirs.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Analysis of 1185 Shigella strains collected between 1982 and 1993.
- Data sourced from the National Network of Diarrhoeal Laboratories and analyzed at INDRE's Enteric Bacteriology Laboratory.
- Inclusion of strains from patients of all ages presenting with diarrhoeal illness.
Purpose:
- To serologically confirm and determine the frequency distribution of Shigella species.
- To highlight the epidemiological significance of Shigella dysenteriae 1 in diarrhoeal outbreaks.
- To propose continued epidemiological surveillance and targeted searches for Shigella dysenteriae 1 reservoirs.
Summary:
- Shigella flexneri constituted the majority (61.35%) of isolates, followed by S. sonnei (26%), S. dysenteriae (6.4%), and S. boydii (6.2%).
- Shigella dysenteriae 1 is identified as a key species due to its role in past diarrhoeal outbreaks in Mexico and Central America.
- A focused search in 1989 yielded 20 Shigella dysenteriae isolates, indicating the value of targeted investigations.
Impact:
- Provides crucial data on the prevalence of Shigella species over a decade.
- Underscores the public health threat posed by Shigella dysenteriae 1.
- Informs future strategies for controlling Shigella infections through enhanced surveillance and reservoir identification.