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Health
Rising Antibiotic Resistance in Shigellosis Cases Raises New AMR Concern in Kerala
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 24 Aug 2026, 10:39 AM
👁 33
Kerala's Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network reports a growing resistance of primary antibiotics used against shigellosis, signalling a fresh AMR challenge for the state.
The Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (KARSN) has released data indicating that the bacteria causing shigellosis are increasingly resistant to the first‑line antibiotics traditionally used for treatment. The surveillance, which monitors antimicrobial trends across the state, shows a steady rise in resistance levels over the past year.
Shigellosis, an intestinal infection spread through contaminated food and water, is usually managed with drugs such as ciprofloxacin and azithromycin. According to KARSN, the efficacy of these medicines is waning, with a notable proportion of isolates now showing reduced susceptibility.
Health officials warn that the emerging resistance could complicate clinical management, prolong illness, and increase the risk of outbreaks. The network urges clinicians to adopt susceptibility‑guided therapy and calls for intensified stewardship programs to curb further resistance development.
The state health department plans to strengthen laboratory capacity and promote public awareness about hygiene practices to limit the spread of shigellosis. Continuous monitoring will be essential to adapt treatment guidelines and safeguard public health.
Shigellosis, an intestinal infection spread through contaminated food and water, is usually managed with drugs such as ciprofloxacin and azithromycin. According to KARSN, the efficacy of these medicines is waning, with a notable proportion of isolates now showing reduced susceptibility.
Health officials warn that the emerging resistance could complicate clinical management, prolong illness, and increase the risk of outbreaks. The network urges clinicians to adopt susceptibility‑guided therapy and calls for intensified stewardship programs to curb further resistance development.
The state health department plans to strengthen laboratory capacity and promote public awareness about hygiene practices to limit the spread of shigellosis. Continuous monitoring will be essential to adapt treatment guidelines and safeguard public health.