New sexually transmitted diarrhea ‘superbug’ is ‘close to untreatable,’ experts say
New sexually transmitted diarrhea ‘superbug’ is ‘close to untreatable,’ experts say
Athena Dawson Fri, October 9, 2026 at 1:13 AM UTC
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Scientists have noticed that the rapid rise of shingella infection among men who have sex with men -Credit:Getty Images (Getty Images)
Sexually transmitted diarrhea is on the rise, and causing concerns amongst experts who believe the bacteria is becoming antibiotic-resistant.
Disentry was once known as an ancient disease plaguing those living in poor hygiene conditions, but it's present now more than ever, as Shigella bacteria have infected nearly half a million people living in the U.S. every year.
A July study has shown that the rate of the disease is spreading through sex is 15% faster year-over year between 2015 and 2020, compared to how it is commonly spread through travel, food, or daycares.
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How is Shigella spread?
Shigella spreads when infected feces enter the mouth through unwashed hands or by ingesting contaminated food or water. A very small amount is enough to cause sickness.
Children under 5 are generally the most likely to be affected, as they contract the bacteria from germ-infested surfaces in daycares and schools.
Those traveling to places where there are lower sanitation standards are at risk, as well as those experiencing homelessness.
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Scientists, however, have noticed that the rapid rise of shigella infection among gay and bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men.
The bacteria are considered an “endemic” in those communities, meaning that they are a constant and present virus.
New evidence suggests that sex may currently be a major way the bacteria is transmitted, but it’s unclear, as it’s not asked about when patients arrive in the doctor’s office.
Symptoms include diarrhea with blood or mucus, stomach pain, cramps, fever, and vomiting.
Symptoms include diarrhea with blood or mucus, stomach pain, cramps, fever, and vomiting -Credit:Getty Images/Collection Mix: Subjects RMShigella spread through sex, becoming increasingly antibiotic resistant
Experts say many people don’t realize Shigella can spread through sex, and the lack of awareness could be increasing infections.
“Many men who have sex with men are unaware of the serious and increasing risk posed by sexually transmitted Shigella,”Cambridge geneticist Kate Baker, a lead author on the July study, told the New York Post.
The CDC reports that drug-resistant strains of Shigella have increased from 0% in 2011 to 8.5% in 2023. Some experts attribute this rise to a phenomenon known as “bystander resistance,” which happens when an incorrect antibiotic is used to treat a pathogen.
“This disease has gone from being relatively treatable with off-the-shelf drugs to being close to untreatable over the course of the last decade or so,” Baker said.
When antibiotics are misused, they fail to eliminate the disease, allowing the pathogen a chance to develop resistance. The CDC indicates that the majority of drug-resistant Shigella cases have affected adult men.
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In many Shigella cases, the illness typically resolves within days with rest and fluids. However, research shows that individuals who contracted Shigella through sexual activities were hospitalized for an average of four to five days.
Source: “AOL Breaking”
