Sexual networks drive spread of drug-resistant Shigella sonnei

"Traditional interventions recommended for enteric illnesses (eg, handwashing and food hygiene) are unlikely to impact sexual transmission pathways."

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A genomic epidemiology study found that sexually transmissible Shigella sonnei spread more widely and intensely than other domestically acquired strains in England.
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Resistance to key antimicrobials was detected in 69.4% of isolates from presumptive men who have sex with men (pMSM), compared to lower rates in other groups.
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The mean geographic distance between pMSM isolates was significantly greater than that of non-pMSM isolates, indicating distinct transmission patterns.
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The study highlighted the need for tailored public health strategies, including vaccination and treatment guidelines, to address sexual transmission of shigellosis.
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Limitations of the study included potential misclassification of sexual transmission and disruptions in transmission patterns due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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