New Study Tracks Rapid Spread of Drug-Resistant Shigella Across England

New study tracks rapid spread of drug-resistant Shigella across England

A nationwide genomic epidemiology study involving a researcher from Kingston University has revealed that sexually transmitted Shigella sonnei is spreading faster, over greater geographic distances and with higher transmission intensity than non-sexually transmitted strains in England.

Sexually transmitted, drug-resistant Shigella spreading rapidly across England, study reveals

A research study has found sexually transmitted Shigella is spreading faster and over greater geographical distances than non-sexually transmitted strains in England Published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, the study involving Kingston University showed an increase in cases of sexually transmitted Shigella over the last few years The strains were found to spread an average distance of 117km, compared to 46km for non-sexually transmitted stra…

A researcher at Kingston University has helped reveal a rise in drug-resistant sexually transmitted Shigella cases across England.

UK Health Security Agency figures show more than 2,500 cases were recorded last year, up from just over 2,000 in 2023. The study found these infections are spreading faster over wider distances, with many strains resistant to antibiotics. Lecturer Dr Lewis Mason was involved in the research, which says better awareness, prevention and treatment are needed.

Sexually transmitted infections fact sheet

Factsheet on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), drug-resistant strains, and GARDP’s research initiatives. Source