PREVELENCE OF BETA-LACTAMASES IN MEMBERS OF THE GENUS SHIGELLA:

A REVIEW

Abstract

Shigella species (Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri, Shigella dysenteriae and Shigella boydii), are major cause of shigellosis, and they are increasingly exhibiting resistance to antibiotics due to the production of beta-lactamase enzymes. Some common genes encoding beta-lactamases include blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCTX-M and these genes can be found in various bacterial species, contributing to antibiotic resistance. This review highlights the distribution and prevalence of beta-lactamase-producing shigella species across various regions of the globe, also focusing on the significant prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing shigella strains and the Shigella spp. that is predominant in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, Oceania (Australia) and South America. Africa has high prevalence of ESBL-producing shigella, with Shigella flexneri and Shigella dysentriae being the most dominant species. Asia has the highest number of reported cases on Shigella spp. which is also the highest globally, with Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei being the most prevalent species. Southern America has high prevalence of ESBL-producing shigella, with Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri being the most common species. Europe has moderate prevalence of ESBL-producing shigella, with Shigella sonnei being the dominant species. Oceania has low prevalence of ESBL-producing Shigella spp., although cases have been reported with moderate prevalence of both Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei and North America relatively has low prevalence of ESBL-producing Shigella spp. although cases have been reported particularly on Shigella sonnei. Africa and Asia has high prevalence (65% and above) of ESBL-producing shigella, Europe and Southern America has moderate/high prevalence (40% and above) and (50% and above) of ESBL-producing shigella respectively, while Oceania and North America has low prevalence of ESBL-producing shigella species (25% and above). The rising prevalence of these resistant strains pose a severe threat to public health, complicating treatment protocols and necessitating effective global surveillance, antibiotic stewardship, and coordinated public health strategies which are urgent ways of addressing the spread of beta-lactamase-producing shigella to limits its impact globally.