Sexually transmitted intestinal infection is spreading: It is becoming resistant to antibiotics

According to the New York Post on October 8, 2026, the Shigella bacteria that causes dysentery is increasingly spreading through sexual contact. Geneticist Kate Baker from the University of Cambridge stated that the infection has turned from a relatively easily treatable disease to an extremely difficult health problem to treat in the last decade.

SEXUAL TRANSMISSION IS INCREASING RAPIDLY

Shigella is transmitted by ingesting infected feces. Poorly washed hands, dirty food and water are among the main sources of contamination. The fact that even just 10 bacteria can cause infection increases the contagiousness of the disease.

Children under five years of age, people traveling to regions with inadequate hygiene conditions, and homeless individuals are in the high risk group.

However, recent research shows that the infection is spreading rapidly, especially among gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men.

According to a study published in July, the annual increase rate of sexual transmission in the 2015-2020 period was 15 percent higher compared to travel, food and nursery-related transmission.

Kate Baker, one of the lead authors of the study, emphasized that many people are unaware that Shigella can be transmitted through sexual contact.

RESISTANT TO ANTIBIOTICS

According to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of drug-resistant Shigella species increased from 0 percent in 2011 to 8.5 percent in 2023.

Experts evaluate that inappropriate use of antibiotics may be effective in this development. Incorrect use of antibiotics can pave the way for bacteria to develop resistance.

Studies show that people hospitalized for sexually transmitted Shigella infection receive treatment for an average of four to five days.

Baker stated that more than one resistant bacterial variant has emerged at the same time, and that patients infected through sexual contact may need different treatments than those infected during travel.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE PROTECTED?

Most Shigella infections clear up on their own in about a week with rest and adequate fluid intake. However, in severe cases, antibiotic treatment can be applied to reduce the duration and contagiousness of the disease.

To prevent the spread of infection, the CDC recommends washing hands and genital area with soap before and after sexual contact, cleaning sexual toys, and using protective barriers such as condoms.

The California Department of Public Health states that sexual contact with people who have had diarrhea in the last two weeks should be avoided.

According to experts, due to the increase in antibiotic resistance, early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and infection prevention measures are becoming increasingly important.