Tracking Shigella spp. (ipaH gene) for Better Public Health Response

Shigella spp. are bacterial pathogens that cause shigellosis, a gastrointestinal disease known for its highly contagious nature and severe symptoms. Shigella spreads through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with infected individuals, especially in places with limited sanitation such as shelters, schools, or under-resourced communities. The ipaH gene is present in all Shigella strains and provides a strong biomarker for molecular detection. As outbreaks continue to emerge across the globe, especially among vulnerable populations, early detection is essential to protect public health.

Understanding Shigella's Impact

Shigella infections cause inflammation of the intestines, resulting in diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. In some cases, the diarrhea may be bloody, a symptom of more invasive strains. People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with fecal matter, or by touching surfaces and not properly washing their hands. This is particularly concerning in childcare facilities or crowded urban areas.

Although shigellosis often resolves without medical treatment, more severe infections may require antibiotics. However, growing antibiotic resistance among Shigella strains is complicating treatment strategies. According to the CDC, some strains are now resistant to multiple first-line antibiotics, making them harder to treat and increasing the risk of prolonged illness and community spread.

Children under five years old and immunocompromised individuals are at the highest risk. In rare cases, complications like post-infectious arthritis or seizures can occur. For those without access to clean water, soap, or sanitation infrastructure, the ability to control outbreaks is limited. Public health professionals and institutions need faster tools to detect the pathogen before it causes larger outbreaks.

Kraken Sense’s Role

By targeting the ipaH gene, Kraken Sense enables continuous environmental monitoring of high-risk zones, from wastewater sampling in urban areas to testing shared facilities in shelters. Real-time detection provides public health teams with data to act before symptoms become widespread. Kraken Sense helps local governments and health departments address outbreaks early and better protect those most at risk.