Purpose of review
Diarrhoea is a major global health problem, and recent studies have confirmed Shigella as a major contributor to this burden. Here, we review recent advances in Shigella research; focusing on their epidemiology, pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance, and the role of the gut microbiome during infection.
Recent findings Enhanced epidemiological data, combined with new generation diagnostics, has highlighted a greater burden of Shigella disease than was previously estimated, which is not restricted to vulnerable populations in low-middle income countries. As we gain an ever more detailed insight into the orchestrated mechanisms that Shigella exploit to trigger infection, we can also begin to appreciate the complex role of the gut microbiome in preventing and inducing such infections. The use of genomics, in combination with epidemiological data and laboratory investigations, has unravelled the evolution and spread of various species. Such measures have identified resistance to antimicrobials as a key contributor to the success of specific clones.
Summary We need to apply novel findings towards sustainable approaches for treating and preventing Shigella infections. Vaccines and alternative treatments are under development and may offer an opportunity to reduce the burden of Shigella disease and restrict the mobility of antimicrobial resistant clones.
CONCLUSION
The combination of larger epidemiological studies, more sophisticated in-vitro technologies, and genomics have provided unprecedented insights into the success of the genus Shigella. These could be invaluable to the development of future vaccines and alternative therapies. Namely, Shigella vaccines should account for the pathogen’s numerous tricks to manipulate the immune response as well as the rapidly changing epidemiology. Novel therapies could benefit from the detailed portrayal of Shigella’s pathogenesis and interactions with the gut microbiota. These tools need to be accelerated to stem the tide of increasingly antimicrobial resistant Shigella clones. Shigella research has reached a pivotal state, and we now need to apply our knowledge, technologies and experience to reduce the disease burden of this bacterial pathogen.
