Shigella Flexneri

Shigella flexneri is a Gram-negative bacterium that is a leading cause of diarrhea and gastroenteritis in humans. It is one of the four species of the genus Shigella, and is transmissible through the fecal-oral route. It is a major public health concern globally, with estimates of 160 million cases occurring annually. It is resistant to many antibiotics, leading to potential life-threatening complications. It is also associated with opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals such as AIDS patients. The pathogenesis of S. flexneri is associated with its ability to invade and replicate within host intestinal epithelial cells, and is thought to be mediated by a number of virulence factors. Treatment options for S. flexneri involve antibiotics such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and fluoroquinolones, as well as supportive care. Vaccines are also being developed to help prevent S. flexneri infections.