Increase in drug-resistant Shigella cases among gay and bisexual men

A UK Health Security Agency report highlights a concerning rise in drug-resistant Shigella infections in England, particularly among gay and bisexual men, with over 2,500 cases reported in 2025. Shigella is a highly infectious gut bacterium that can be transmitted during sex, often via very small amounts of bacteria. Alarmingly, most tested strains show resistance to commonly used antibiotics, with some cases classified as extensively drug-resistant, limiting treatment options. While many infections resolve without treatment, severe cases are becoming harder to manage. The report stresses the importance of awareness, hygiene, safer sex practices, and regular STI testing to reduce transmission and protect public health.