✍︎ Jayson Acabo
United Kingdom — Health authorities are urging gay and bisexual men to prioritize sexual health screenings following a sharp increase in antibiotic-resistant Shigella infections.
New data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on March 26, 2026, highlights this growing concern. Shigella, a bacterial pathogen traditionally associated with contaminated food and water, is increasingly recognized as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that has developed significant resistance to standard medications. Statistics reveal that England saw 2,560 sexually transmitted Shigella diagnoses in 2025—a notable rise compared to 2,052 cases recorded in 2023 and 2,318 in 2024. This infection primarily affects gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).
Shigella is a highly infectious gut condition caused by bacteria found in feces. It spreads easily through sexual activity or via unwashed hands, as even a tiny amount of the bacteria can trigger infection. Symptoms usually manifest within one to four days and include fever, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, often leading patients to mistake the illness for standard food poisoning. The current surge in cases underscores a worsening crisis in antibiotic efficacy. While various strains exist, the variants known as Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri remain the most common types transmitted sexually among GBMSM in England.
The most troubling revelation in the report is the speed at which these bacteria are becoming untreatable. Records from 2025 show that 86% of S. sonnei and a startling 94% of S. flexneri samples exhibited drug resistance. Furthermore, more than half of S. sonnei infections are now categorized as extensively drug-resistant (XDR), significantly limiting the medical interventions available to doctors. While many individuals recover naturally through rest, severe cases require medical treatment—yet the range of effective antibiotics is shrinking, based on specialized laboratory testing of patient samples.
Dr. Katy Sinka, head of the STI section at UKHSA, highlighted that while the increase in sexually transmitted Shigella cases is a serious concern, individuals can mitigate risks through consistent condom use and good hygiene before and after sexual activity. She also urged gay and bisexual men to take symptoms seriously rather than dismiss them. Information on managing dehydration and self-care can be found on the National Health Service (NHS) website by searching the term “dysentery.” Furthermore, because a Shigella diagnosis may indicate exposure to other infections such as HIV, she strongly recommends a thorough sexual health screening, whether conducted at a clinic or through an online testing kit.
The UKHSA report further advises those diagnosed to prioritize recovery by getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated. To prevent further spread, individuals should avoid any sexual contact until one week after symptoms have completely resolved. It is also recommended to avoid shared environments such as pools, spas, and hot tubs, refrain from sharing towels, and avoid preparing food for others during the infectious period.
Because standard laboratory reports do not typically record a patient’s sexual orientation, health officials estimate these figures by tracking diagnoses in adult men who have not recently traveled abroad. This method allows the UKHSA to identify cases likely contracted through sexual transmission, which continue to disproportionately affect the GBMSM population.
Additionally, a separate quarterly report from the UKHSA on general STI surveillance in England shows mixed results. Data from the third quarter—July to September—of 2025 indicates a slight decrease in overall cases of gonorrhea and syphilis. Gonorrhea diagnoses fell to 15,910 from a previous 16,290, while infectious syphilis dropped to 1,860 from 2,090. Despite this decline, experts are increasingly concerned about antibiotic resistance in gonorrhea. Specifically, cases resistant to ceftriaxone doubled in 2025, rising to 29 from just 13 the year before.
If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to severe complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility. Similarly, syphilis can cause irreversible and potentially fatal damage to the brain, heart, and nervous system if not detected early.
While the numbers for gonorrhea and syphilis remain high, maintaining good sexual health through regular testing is essential—particularly for individuals who experience symptoms or engage in condomless sex with new or casual partners. Free testing is available through local clinics and university health centers, and discreet self-sampling kits can be ordered by mail for those who prefer privacy.
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