Shigella Testing Services

A recent CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report highlights the emergence and spread of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella infections in the United States from 2011 to 2023. XDR strains, resistant to all commonly recommended antibiotics, have risen sharply, from 0% of tested isolates in 2011–2015 to 8.5% in 2023.

 

Historically, Shigella infections primarily affected children and were readily treatable. However, recent XDR cases are increasingly reported among adult men, with a median age of forty-one, and many cases requiring hospitalization.

 

Shigella bacteria cause shigellosis, with an estimated 450,000 infections occurring annually in the United States. Approximately 242,000 of these are antimicrobial-resistant. The CDC identifies four species: Shigella sonnei (the most common in the U.S.), Shigella flexneri, Shigella boydii, and Shigella dysenteriae.

 

“Shigella spreads easily through person-to-person contact or via contaminated water, food, surfaces, and objects,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Because the bacteria are present in feces, anything contaminated can transmit infection. Past outbreaks have occurred in healthcare facilities, nursing homes, restaurants, water parks, schools, and daycare centers.”

 

Preventing transmission depends on proper handwashing and effective cleaning and disinfection practices. EMSL Analytical supports these efforts by offering culture-based and rapid qPCR testing for Shigella and other pathogens in surface, water, and food samples. These services can help verify sanitation protocols or identify contamination sources during outbreak investigations.

 

EMSL also sponsored an educational video on Shigella and shigellosis, available here: https://youtu.be/h6HCGNg2qKw

 

To learn more about testing for Shigella or other environmental pathogens, please call (800) 220-3675, email [email protected], or visit www.EMSL.com. For inquiries related to food testing, visit www.FoodTestingLab.com.

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.