Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei among children under five in Kenya’s urban informal settlement

Abstract

These findings show that shigellosis due to S. flexneri and S. sonnei remains a significant contributor to the burden of diarrheal disease, particularly among young children. The high prevalence of AMR genes, especially mphA and CTX-M β-lactamases, indicates widespread resistance to macrolides and extended-spectrum β-lactams. Addressing this challenge may require a multifaceted approach, including enhanced antimicrobial resistance surveillance, strengthened Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, and the potential deployment of Shigella vaccines among vulnerable populations.