SHIGELLA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has secured a domestic partner to produce the groundbreaking vaccine for Shigella infection.

Shigella

• About: It is an intestinal infection caused by bacteria belonging to the enterobacter family.
• Species of Shigella: Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri, Shigella boydii, Shigella dysenteriae are the identified species.
• Symptoms: The primary sign of shigella infection is diarrhea, often bloody.
• Symptoms include diarrhea (with blood or mucus), stomach pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

o Some infected individuals show no symptoms but remain contagious through their feces for weeks.

• Transmission: Shigella is highly contagious and spreads through contact with infected feces.
• Transmission can occur via contaminated food or water, and even through sexual activity.
• Vulnerable Age Group: Children under 5 years old are most susceptible to shigella infection, though it can affect people of any age.
• Global Impact: Shigellosis causes approximately 188 million cases and 1 million deaths annually worldwide.
• Current Status of Vaccine: There is currently no vaccine or cure available for shigella infections.