London: A new UK study has warned that sexually transmitted shigella is emerging as a growing public health concern, with infections spreading more rapidly and becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.
Researchers say the findings highlight the need for greater awareness, particularly among communities at higher risk, as the bacterial infection continues to spread across England.
Shigella is a bacterial infection that affects the digestive system and commonly causes diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever and, in severe cases, dysentery. The bacteria are typically transmitted through contact with contaminated food or water or poor hygiene.
However, certain strains, including Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri, can also spread through sexual contact, particularly among gay and bisexual men.
The research, led by the University of Cambridge in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), analysed more than 3,500 samples collected from adults across the UK between 2004 and 2020.
The study found that sexually transmitted strains spread over an average distance of 117 kilometres within two and a half years, compared with 46 kilometres for strains spread through other routes. Researchers said this demonstrates a faster and wider pattern of transmission.
The study also revealed growing concerns over antibiotic resistance. Around 70 percent of sexually transmitted shigella samples were resistant to at least one commonly used antibiotic, significantly higher than the 40 percent recorded in non-sexually transmitted infections. Researchers warned that increasing drug resistance could make future infections more difficult to treat and control.
Official figures from the UK Health Security Agency show that sexually transmitted shigella cases in England increased from 2,052 in 2023 to 2,560 in 2025. Health experts say the rise underlines the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and improved public awareness to reduce transmission.
They also stressed the need for healthcare providers to recognise sexually transmitted shigella as a distinct health issue. Researchers have called for targeted public health campaigns and stronger surveillance to help prevent further spread of the infection.
They emphasised that better awareness, safer sexual practices, good hygiene and prompt medical attention when symptoms develop will play an important role in limiting transmission and protecting public health as the number of cases continues to rise.
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