Shigellosis

A Shift in Shigellosis Cases Highlights Vaccine Need

Karen McClorey Hackett — Sat, 23 Nov 2024 11:40:59 +0000

Reviewer:

The World Health Organization (WHO) says Shigellosis, a gastrointestinal infection caused by one of four species of Shigella bacteria, continues to pose a significant public health problem, even in major cities.

Researchers recently reported in Clinical Infectious Diseases an increase in severe, multidrug-resistant (MDR) shigellosis cases in Vancouver, Canada, and a shift in these patient demographics.

Published on November 21, 2024, these researchers observed a substantial increase in severe Shigellosis and a shift from sexually transmitted S. sonnei infections in men who have sex with men (MSM) to likely environmental transmission among people experiencing homelessness (PEH).

Specifically, the 3.6.1.1.2 clone of MDR S. sonnei in PEH was associated with a more severe disease, which could be due to the underlying vulnerabilities of the affected population.

This retrospective review of 163 patients with S. sonnei infections was undertaken from 2015 to 2022. During this period, S. sonnei infections rose from 8.3 cases/year (historical period) to 56.5 cases/year (recent period).

Over time, the primary population characteristics of Shigellosis shifted from MSM (45 98%) to PEH (86,77%).

Severe Shigellosis was significantly higher in the recent compared to the historical period (69 [61%] versus 7 [14%], p<0.001).

Furthermore, the susceptibility of S sonnei to oral antibiotics has also decreased significantly during the recent period. MDR was present in only 11 (22%) of historical isolates, compared with 109 (96%) from the recent period.

This new data indicates an acceleration of these outbreaks.

A U.S. CDC health advisory posted in 2023 said extensively drug-resistant Shigella infections were 5% of Shigella infections reported in 2022 compared with 0% in 2015.

Although sexual transmission is well-established in MSM, this study's authors say transmission among PEH in Vancouver is likely occurring following exposure to fecally contaminated environmental surfaces and hands.

In the United States, the CDC estimates about 450,000 cases of Shigellosis occur annually, making it the third most common bacterial enteric disease. As of week #44, ending November 2, 2024, the CDC confirmed 18,002 Shigella cases, led by California (L.A., 3,864) and New York (2,647).

In 2023, the CDC reported 17,176 cases in the U.S.

To combat this unfortunate trend, Valneva SE and LimmaTech Biologics AG are co-developing Shigella4V (S4V), a tetravalent bioconjugate vaccine candidate against Shigellosis. In October 2024, the U.S. FDA granted Shigella4V Fast Track designation, which indicates that this vaccine's development is a high priority.

Sub Title:

Shigellosis vaccine Candidate Granted FDA Fast Track designation

References:

Increased severity of multidrug-resistant Shigella sonnei infections in people experiencing homelessness

Genomic reconstruction and directed interventions in a multidrug-resistant Shigellosis outbreak in Seattle, WA

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Shigellosis Vaccine Needed in Africa

Karen McClorey Hackett — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 16:32:09 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

A seldom discussed gastrointestinal infection caused by Shigella bacteria continues to pose significant public health challenges in Africa, Europe, and the United States.

Researchers recently reported in BMC Infectious Diseases that 29 African countries have a high burden of Shigellosis outbreaks and high levels of antibiotic resistance.

This Systematic Review, published on October 29, 2024, by researchers at the University of Ghana Medical School, included 116 studies examining 99,510 patient samples. The most prevalent species of Shigella was Shigella flexneri (53.6%).

The meta-analysis indicated that the overall pooled prevalence of Shigella bacteria across Africa was 5.9%, with regional prevalences of 6.9% in southern Africa, 6.7% in northern Africa, 6.2% in eastern Africa, 4.5% in central Africa, and 4% in western Africa.

Furthermore, Shigella prevalence was higher in children (6.6%) than in adults (3.6%).

And the resistance to ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and chloramphenicol was high (77.8%, 65.1%, and 45.2%, respectively), while resistance to ceftriaxone (8.5%) and ciprofloxacin (10%) was low.

In the United States, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been monitoring an increase in extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella infections (Shigellosis). The CDC confirmed in 2024 that the Shigella bacteria can spread quickly. People with Shigella infection can shed the bacteria in their stool for weeks after symptoms have dissipated.

As of October 26, 2024, the CDC confirmed 17,709 Shigella cases, led by California (L.A.) and New York (NYC). In 2023, the CDC reported 16,602 cases in the U.S.

Additionally, the European CDC reported 4,149 confirmed cases of Shigellosis in 2022. France, the Netherlands, and Spain accounted for 50.6% of these cases

These researchers wrote, 'Vaccine development is a prioritized area; however, progress has been impeded by the diverse range of Shigella serotypes and the complexity involved in developing effective vaccines.'

To address this public health need, the U.S. FDA recently Fast-Tracked an innovative Shigellosis vaccine candidate.

Valneva SE and LimmaTech Biologics AG are co-developing Shigella4V (S4V), a tetravalent bioconjugate vaccine candidate against Shigellosis. The anticipated FDA regulatory pathway for S4V is leveraging a combination of Controlled Human Infection Model studies to support potential initial approval in adults, followed by field efficacy studies to expand the indication to children.

As of November 4, 2024, the future availability of the S4V vaccine is undisclosed.

Sub Title:

Shigellosis cases found in African 29 countries

References:

Prevalence of Shigella species and antimicrobial resistance patterns in Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis

US CDC

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US CDC 2023

Shigella Vaccine Candidate Awarded U.S. FDA Fast Track Designation

Karen McClorey Hackett — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 16:12:41 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

A seldom-discussed global health threat may soon have a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- approved vaccine available.

Valneva SE and LimmaTech Biologics AG today announced that the U.S. FDA has granted Fast Track designation to Shigella4V (S4V), the world's most clinically advanced tetravalent bioconjugate shigellosis vaccine candidate.

Fast Track designation facilitates clinical development and expedites the review of essential new products, intending to get them to those who need them earlier, such as people diagnosed with Shigellosis.

Shigellosis may cause up to 165 million infections and 600,000 deaths each year. The Gram-negative Shigella bacteria is the second leading cause of diarrheal deaths.

Shigellosis affects international travelers from high-income countries, deployed military personnel in endemic regions, and children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Thomas Lingelbach, CEO of Valneva, commented in a press release on October 16, 2024, "Shigellosis is the second leading cause of fatal diarrheal disease worldwide. However, there is currently no approved Shigella vaccine, and the development of Shigella vaccines has been identified as a priority by the World Health Organization (WHO)."

"Fast Track designation allows us to work closely with the FDA to accelerate our efforts to deliver a preventative solution against this deadly disease."

In August 2024, Valneva entered into a strategic partnership and exclusive licensing agreement with LimmaTech to develop, manufacture, and commercialize S4V. Following positive Phase 1/2 results earlier in 2024, LimmaTech will conduct a Phase 2 Controlled Human Infection Model study (CHIM) in the U.S. and a Phase 2 pediatric study in LMICs, both expected to begin before the end of 2024.

Once approved, Valneva will assume responsibility for all further development, including chemistry, manufacturing, controls, and regulatory activities, and will be responsible for worldwide commercialization.

The anticipated FDA regulatory pathway for S4V will leverage a combination of CHIM studies to support potential initial approval in adults, followed by field efficacy studies to expand the indication for children.

Until a vaccine becomes available, the WHO says the standard treatment for Shigellosis is oral rehydration and antibiotic therapy.

However, the bacteria have acquired resistance to many antibiotics, and numerous reports of outbreaks of multidrug-resistant strains have made treatment extremely difficult.

Valneva SE is a specialty vaccine company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes prophylactic vaccines for infectious diseases, addressing unmet medical needs, such as chikungunya and Lyme disease.

Sub Title:

Valneva SE will be responsible for the first shigella vaccine worldwide commercialization

Reference:

Valneva and LimmaTech Awarded FDA Fast Track Designation for Tetravalent Shigella Vaccine Candidate S4V

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by Jonas Hasselqvist

Shigella Vaccine Candidate Advancing in Clinical Trials

Karen McClorey Hackett — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 19:54:12 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

Shigella, the leading cause of diarrheal deaths worldwide, is having a resurgence in 2024. Among young children, it is estimated that diarrhea caused by Shigella is responsible for about 446,000 deaths globally each year.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 16,498 Shigella cases on October 5, 2024 (Week 40), indicating an 8% increase from 2023.

California (3,483), New York (2,478), and New Jersey (1,446) are leading other states.

Recent news from Illinois, California restaurants, and Florida Zoo primates are being infected with Shigella this year.

Currently, Shigella lacks a U.S. FDA-approved licensed vaccine.

World Health Organization (WHO) says Shigella are bacteria that cause people to get sick when eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Since treatment options for shigellosis include antimicrobials, the rise of antimicrobial-resistant enteric bacteria, particularly Shigella, means that, in addition to the potential direct effects on morbidity and mortality, a Shigella vaccine might also have indirect effects on reducing the use of antibiotics and the consequent emergence of antimicrobial resistance, a global concern in 2024.

As of October 2024, several European countries have reported an emerging multidrug-resistant Shigella sonnei ST152 strain. Additionally, the UK has reported 268 cases belonging to the same strain.

Therefore, the WHO says developing a Shigella vaccine is an essential goal for public health.

To meet this challenge, Juan Carlos Jaramillo, M.D., the Chief Medical Officer of Valneva SE, commented on October 10, 2024, that the Company 'In-licensed' Limmatech's S4V tetravalent bioconjugate Shigella vaccine candidate and would soon focus on a Phase 3 clinical trial program.

LimmaTech previously reported positive Phase 1/2 results for S4V, including a favorable safety and tolerability profile and robust data on immunogenicity against the four most common pathogenic Shigella serotypes: S. flexneri 2a, 3a, 6, and S. sonnei.

While Valneva did not forecast an availability date, late-stage clinical studies generally last over one year to compile the required data to obtain FDA approval.

Sub Title:

Shigella4V tetravalent bioconjugate vaccine candidate prevents shigellosis infections

References:

Valneva SE Current R&D Strategy at a Glance

US CDC Oct. 2024

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Cabo Verde Visitors Depart with an Unwanted Bacteria

Karen McClorey Hackett — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 21:10:37 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

Holly Lutmer PharmD

An outbreak of shigellosis cases among travelers returning from the Republic of Cabo Verde has been reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

As of February 17, 2023, the ECDC's report confirmed 10 EU/EEA countries, the U.K., and the U.S. confirmed 221 Shigella infections and 37 possible cases, who had visited Cabo Verde, which is located off the west coast of Spain.

Based on the available information, many cases are reported to have stayed in all-inclusive hotels located in the region of Santa Maria on the southern island of Sal.

The most recent cases were reported in Sweden on January 19, 2023, suggesting an ongoing moderate risk of new infections among travelers to Cabo Verde.

The ECDC indicated the initial case was from early November 2022, when the Netherlands reported an 'event' about an unusual increase of patients with Shigella sonnei infection and with a travel history to Cabo Verde.

Shigellosis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by one of four species of Shigella bacteria.

Possible symptoms and complications depend on the species of the bacteria causing the infection.

Shigellosis is caught by swallowing material contaminated by feces, either via the hands or on objects in contact with feces. Infection can also be caught from contaminated food and water.

And children under the age of five, food handlers, and healthcare staff should stay at home for 48 hours after their symptoms have ceased.

The U.S. CDC travel advisory issued in November 2022 suggested various travel vaccinations before visiting.

And recently, the CDC estimated the occurrence of over 440,000 annual shigellosis cases in the U.S., approximately 80% of which are caused by Shigella sonnei.

And according to the U.S. FDA, there is no approved vaccine targeting shigellosis as of 2020.

To help clarify this health issue, the FDA posted an updated FAQ in February 2023.

Note: The information in this ECDC factsheet is intended for general information and should not be used as a substitute for healthcare professionals' guidance, expertise, and judgment.

Sub Title:

UK reports 95 Shigella sonnei cases related to travel

References:

Outbreak of Shigella sonnei

ECDC Shingellosis fact sheet 2023

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by Tesfalem Waldyes

Shigella Vaccine Strategy Produced Positive Results

Danielle Reiter RN — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 12:48:59 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

Kelley Lu, PharmD

An Australian biopharmaceutical company published an update on the company’s cooperative research and development agreements with the US Department of Defense (DoD) to assess the therapeutic potential of Travelan® as a prevention treatment for Shigellosis.

Immuron Limited said in a press release on June 12, 2019, that the results from a non-human, small, placebo-controlled study suggest that Travelan is functionally cross-reactive and may have some prophylactic activity against Shigellosis, or dysentery.

This is important news since there is not a preventive vaccine for shigellosis available today. And, a preventative treatment that protects against Shigella, is a high priority objective for the US Army.

Moreover, up to 70 percent of people who travel suffer from travelers’ diarrhea, according to the US Centre for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).

“The latest results reported by our colleagues at the US Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), an overseas laboratory of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), located in Bangkok, Thailand are very impressive indeed,” said Dr. Robert Kaminski, Chief, Subunit Enteric Vaccines and Immunology, Department of Enteric Infections, Bacterial Diseases Branch, WRAIR.

“These study results clearly demonstrated that animals with severe inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and high inflammatory cytokines in fecal samples were associated with severe dysentery and that prophylactic administration of Travelan significantly reduced the inflammatory response.”

Travelan’s active ingredient is hyperimmune bovine colostrum powder, a rich source of antibodies that bind to Enterotoxigenic E. coli in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing them from attaching to the intestinal wall and thereby neutralizing their ability to cause travelers’ diarrhea.

Hyperimmune colostrum is developed under Immuron's proprietary technology to create high titers of antibodies to a range of E. coli bacteria that is present in normal colostrum in very small amounts.

Immuron Limited also reported that it has completed the manufacture of three new Shigella-specific therapeutic products which have been manufactured with proprietary vaccines developed by the WRAIR.

Preliminary laboratory evaluation has indicated that all three products have generated a strong antibody response to the Shigella antigens used in the manufacturing campaign. The three products will be evaluated in preclinical models of shigellosis developed by the WRAIR.

“The WRAIR has been developing vaccines against Shigella for over a decade and the combination of our Shigella vaccine research and development efforts with Immuron’s oral immunotherapy platform make perfect sense.”

“The WRAIR will fund the evaluation of the anti-Shigella specific activity of the new products including assessing their protective capacity in established small animal models which will be completed and reported throughout the remainder of this year,” said Dr. Kaminski.

Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. Most who are infected with Shigella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps starting a day or two after being exposed to the bacteria.

People usually get sick from Shigella bacteria after putting something in their mouth or swallowing something that has come into contact with the stool (poop) of someone else who is sick from Shigella bacteria, says the CDC.

The abstract of the study findings has been submitted for presentation at the 10th International Conference on Vaccines for Enteric Diseases which will be held in October 2019.

Sub Title:

Immuron Limited Travelan displayed travelers diarrhea preventive capabilities

References:

US Department of Defense Reports Final Results from Travelan® Shigellosis Challenge Study

What is Travelan?

Shigella – Shigellosis

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Shigella Vaccine Development is a Priority for the US Army

Don Hackett — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 18:12:46 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

Danielle Reiter, RN

There is some good news regarding a vaccine to protect against an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella.

A vaccine to protect against Shigella is a high priority for the US Army and is equally important for pediatric populations in endemic areas of the world.

To meet these needs, Enesi Pharma has entered a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), a United States Department of Defense Laboratory, to develop a solid dose Shigella vaccine.

The CRADA is focused on the development of a robust and stable solid-dose formulation of WRAIR’s Shigella flexneri 2a artificial Invaplex (Sfl2a InvaplexAR) vaccine for delivery via Enesi Pharma’s ImplaVax® technology.

Dr Robert Kaminski, Chief, Subunit Enteric Vaccines & Immunology, Branch of Bacterial Diseases at WRAIR, said in a press release, “The potential benefits of Enesi’s ImplaVax system should be considered with respect to vaccination against Shigella, particularly in those challenging environments where storage and retention of activity is a critical factor.’

Under the collaboration, WRAIR’s Invaplex Shigella vaccine will be provided to Enesi, and Enesi will create a solid-dose formulation for needle-free injection using its ImplaVax® technology.

Currently, a phase 1 study is investigating the S. flexneri 2a InvaplexAR vaccine in up to 40 subjects.

Previously, a phase 2 study researched a safe and immunogenic dose of Invaplex 50 intranasal vaccine, and to assess the protection of Invaplex 50 intranasal vaccine against diarrhea, dysentery, and fever following challenge with the Shigella flexneri 2a 2457T strain.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Shigella infection is the most communicable form of the bacterial diarrhoeal disease and is responsible for approximately 165 million cases of severe dysentery each year.

More than one million people are estimated to die from shigellosis each year, says the WHO.

In addition, some 580,000 cases of shigellosis per year are reported among travelers and military personnel from industrialized countries.

Shigellosis is caused by the ingestion of bacteria of the genus Shigella.

Four species of Shigella are responsible for the majority of infections:

S. flexneri is the most frequently isolated species worldwide, accounting for most cases in the least-developed countries;
S. sonnei is more common in low- and middle-income countries;
S. dysenteriae has historically caused epidemics of dysentery, particularly in confined populations such as refugee camps; and
A fourth species, S. boydii, a cause of infection in less-developed countries, accounts for 6 percent or less of Shigella cases.

For additional information, contact Enesi Pharma Limited, +44 (0) 1235 577 120 pr general enquiries: enquiries@enesipharma.com

Sub Title:

Enesi Pharma’s ImplaVax technology to create a solid dose of Shigella flexneri 2a artificial Invaplex (Sfl2a InvaplexAR) vaccine

References:

ENESI PHARMA AND WALTER REED ARMY INSTITUTE OF RESEARCH (WRAIR) SIGN COOPERATIVE R&D AGREEMENT

Status of vaccine research and development for Shigella

Shigella – Shigellosis

Walter Reed Army Institute of Research

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Overusing Traveler's Diarrhea Antibiotics Can Be Avoided

Don Hackett — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 16:15:43 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

Danielle Reiter, RN

Each year, millions of international travelers visit countries with poor hygiene, and approximately 33 percent return home carrying antibiotic-resistant, intestinal bacteria.

According to a new study, the overuse of Travel Diarrhea (TD) antibiotics is one of the leading reasons.

When a person gets TD, they are infected with millions of bacteria, a few of which may be drug resistant. Under ordinary circumstances, “normal” bacteria compete with resistant bacteria for food and other resources, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The resistant bacteria do not thrive because there are so few of them.

However, if the person takes antibiotics, the susceptible bacteria will die, allowing the resistant bacteria to grow and take over.

The person can then spread these resistant bacteria to other people.

As an example, Shigella sonnei bacteria was resistant to the antibiotic ciprofloxacin and sickened 243 people in 32 states between May 2014 and February 2015, reports the CDC.

Shigella causes about 500,000 cases of diarrhea in the United States annually.

These types of self-inflicted health issues can be easily avoided with some friendly medication advice from a nurse, doctor or pharmacist.

This study reported international travelers who bring antibiotics with them on a trip are more likely to use those antibiotics to treat Travelers Diarrhea (TD), even when the situation doesn't call for the use of antibiotics.

These researchers said that antibiotics used to be the mainstay of TD treatment. But the justification for this treatment approach has been questioned by health officials due to the upsurge in antimicrobial resistance.”

The study of 316 international travelers found those carrying travel diarrhea antibiotics took them 38 percent of the time, as compared to 4 percent who had to acquire TD antibiotics locally.

And, bringing TD antibiotics while traveling did not to prevent medical visits when oversee.

On the contrary, bringing TD antibiotics encouraged more healthcare visits, 34 percent of the time, as compared to non TD antibiotic carriers, 11 percent.

For travelers to high-risk areas, several approaches may be recommended that can reduce, but never completely eliminate, the risk for acquiring a case of TD, says the CDC.

TD prevention tactics include instructions regarding food and beverage selection, using agents other than antimicrobial drugs for prophylaxis, using prophylactic antibiotics, and carefully washing hands with soap where available.

The leading CDC suggestion is to be selective where you eat.

Poor hygiene practice in local restaurants is likely the largest contributor to the risk for TD since bacteria are the most common cause of TD, says the CDC.

To clarify this issue, the International Society of Travel Medicine produced clinically relevant and useful recommendations on the management of travelers’ diarrhea.

These experts used the following definitions to classify travelers' diarrhea:

Mild: diarrhea that is tolerable, not distressing, and does not interfere with planned activities
Moderate: diarrhea that is distressing or interferes with planned activities
Severe: diarrhea that is incapacitating or completely prevents planned activities; all dysentery (passage of grossly bloody stools) is considered severe
Persistent: diarrhea lasting 2 weeks or longer

The CDC suggestions are as follows:

Safe food and beverage choices can prevent TD
Taking a Bismuth subsalicylate four times per day can prevent TD
Treat the symptoms of TD
Use antibiotics responsibly
Prevent the spread to others.

Travelers can learn more about food and water precautions to prevent bacteria such as Shigella.

Moreover, when you have travel health questions, it is easy to seek answers from a trusted pharmacist.

Sub Title:

Pharmacy travel counseling includes vaccines, antibiotics, and OTC products

References:

Stand-by antibiotics encourage unwarranted use of antibiotics for travelers’ diarrhea: A prospective study

Travellers' diarrhoea: Impact of TD definition and control group design on study results

Fluoroquinolone antibiotic users select fluoroquinolone-resistant ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE)

Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of travelers’ diarrhea: a graded expert panel report

Characterization of the human gut microbiome during travelers' diarrhea

Travelers' diarrhea

Multidrug-resistant Shigellosis Spreading in the United States

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Charlotte and San Diego Report Shigellosis Outbreaks

Don Hackett — Wed, 04 Jul 2018 17:13:32 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

Danielle Reiter, RN

Kelley Lu, PharmD

Two cities who have battled hepatitis A outbreaks during 2018 are advising their residents with compromised immune systems that they could be at an increased risk for the intestinal disease Shigellosis.

Shigella and hepatitis A go hand in hand with poor sanitation or sanitary practices. But, there is not a known relation to viral hepatitis A.

As of July 2, 2018, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (SDCHHSA) reported 98 cases of Shigellosis.

During 2017, a total of 334 Shigellosis cases were reported, which represents a 37 percent increase compared to 2016. A large proportion of the 2017 cases (63%) were among men, many of whom self-identified as gay or bisexual, reported SDCHHSA.

Separately, the Charlotte Observer reported at least 40 people are sick after eating contaminated food at a potluck birthday party in east Charlotte on July 1, 2018.

Mecklenburg County Health Director Gibbie Harris, MSPH, BSN, RN said, “Some partygoers are infected with a "highly contagious" disease called Shigella, which causes diarrhea and is spread through feces.”

At least 19 people had been admitted to local hospitals by midday Monday, Harris reported and a few were in intensive care.

About 100 people attended the birthday party, and more may still get sick, as symptoms of Shigella can take one to three days to show up after someone is infected.

“Health department officials are still investigating the outbreak. They may ask people to stay home from work or daycare if they're showing symptoms,” said Harris.

“Anyone who works in food service, healthcare or childcare should stay home if they're sick,” Harris said.

In 2013, Shigella infections caused an estimated 34,400 deaths in children less than five years old.

Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most who are infected with Shigella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps starting a day or two after they are exposed to the bacteria.

Shigellosis usually resolves in 5 to 7 days. Some people who are infected may have no symptoms at all, but may still pass the Shigella bacteria to others.

The spread of Shigella can be stopped by frequent and careful handwashing with soap and taking other hygiene measures.

At present, there are no licensed vaccines available for Shigella, reports recent research.

However, studies in animals and humans have demonstrated that protection by vaccination is feasible.

Immunity to Shigella appears to be strain-specific, so a vaccine that covers the most commonly detected strains or a vaccine using cross-species conserved antigens would likely be most effective.

A diversity of Shigella vaccine candidates are under development, including live attenuated, formalin-killed whole-cell, glycoconjugate, subunit, and novel antigen vaccines.

Sub Title:

Shigella vaccine candidates include live attenuated, formalin-killed whole-cell, glycoconjugate, subunit, and novel antigen vaccines

References:

County Issues Shigellosis Advisory

Dozens sick after eating food contaminated with feces at potluck birthday party

Shigella – Shigellosis

Status of vaccine research and development for Shigella

San Diego Says ‘Don’t Forget Your 2nd Hep A Vaccination’

Should Kentucky and Tennessee Require Hepatitis A Vaccinations for Food Staff?

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