by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Worthy News) – Federal health officials are warning that a highly contagious bacterial infection increasingly spread through sexual contact is developing resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics, raising concerns that some strains could become exceptionally difficult to treat.
The infection, known as shigellosis, is caused by Shigella bacteria and can produce severe diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and, in some cases, bloody stools. While the disease has traditionally spread through contaminated food, water, and poor sanitation, health officials are increasingly documenting sexual transmission, particularly among men who have sex with men.
According to a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in April 2026, the percentage of tested Shigella samples classified as extensively drug-resistant (XDR) increased from zero between 2011 and 2015 to 8.5% in 2023.
These strains resist five commonly prescribed antibiotics, including azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, ampicillin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The CDC reported that approximately one-third of patients identified with extensively drug-resistant infections were hospitalized.
The agency estimates that Shigella causes approximately 450,000 infections annually in the United States, although most infections are not caused by extensively drug-resistant strains.
Sexual Transmission Raises New Concerns
Researchers say the bacteria can spread through sexual activity involving exposure to microscopic amounts of infected fecal matter. Because only a small number of bacteria are needed to cause illness, transmission can occur easily.
Although anyone can become infected, the CDC identifies gay and bisexual men, international travelers, and people with weakened immune systems as populations facing increased risks from antibiotic-resistant strains.
The problem is also spreading internationally. In May, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported that 14 European countries had documented more than 2,300 infections involving multidrug-resistant or extensively drug-resistant Shigella strains since 2023.
Doctors Warn Treatment Options Are Narrowing
The growing resistance is particularly troubling because the CDC says there are currently no FDA-approved oral antibiotics specifically recommended for treating extensively drug-resistant Shigella infections.
However, most Shigella infections resolve without antibiotic treatment. Severe infections may require hospitalization, intravenous fluids, and specialized medical care.
Health officials recommend careful handwashing, avoiding contaminated food and water, and abstaining from sexual activity for at least two weeks after diarrhea ends to reduce transmission.
Researchers warn that without improved surveillance, appropriate antibiotic use, and stronger prevention efforts, resistant strains could continue spreading and further complicate treatment.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
