Work

Extended spectrum β-lactamase and integron genes among Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei isolated from children with diarrhea in shiraz, Southwest Iran

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Shigellosis, a bacterial infection marked by dysentery, is typically a self-limiting disease and can be effectively managed with oral rehydration. However, antibiotics may help reduce the severity and duration of Shigellosis despite rising antimicrobial resistance. This study examines the prevalence of ESBL-producing isolates and the presence of bla TEM , bla CTX−M , bla SHV , intI 1, and intI 2 genes among Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri isolates from children with diarrhea in Shiraz, southwest Iran. From October 2019 to March 2020, 50 S. flexneri and 50 S. sonnei were isolated from children under 13 years old with diarrhea. Antimicrobial susceptibility and ESBL production were assessed, and the presence of ESBL-mediated genes, also intI 1 and intI 2 genes, was investigated using polymerase chain reaction methods. Resistance rates of 100% were observed against cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, streptomycin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in all S. flexneri and S. sonnei isolates, with all isolates exhibiting multidrug resistance (MDR). ESBL positivity was found in (68%) of S. flexneri and (64%) of S. sonnei isolates. The bla CTX−M gene was prevalent in (56%) of S. flexneri and (70%) of S. sonnei isolates. Remarkably, intI 1 and intI 2 were detected in (80%) and (86%) of S. flexneri isolates and (18%) and (90%) of S. sonnei isolates, respectively. In conclusion, the increasing resistance to first- and second-line antibiotics for treating shigellosis in Iran is a significant concern. The high prevalence of MDR Shigella spp. isolates in our region underscores the critical need to address the spread of antibiotic resistance and integrons in Shigella spp., making it an urgent priority.

Source: BMC Pediatrics

DOI: 10.1186/s12887-025-06074-w

Authors: Keyvan Farhadi, Abolfazl Rafati Zomorodi, Mohammadhassan Hassannezhad, Samane Mohebi, Mohammad Motamedifar, Leila Kasraian

Institutions: Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz University, High Institute for Education and Research in Transfusion Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria

Subfield: Molecular Medicine

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090