Last reviewed, May 2008

Next review, May 2009

Cases of shigellosis have been seen in last few years. Many of these cases have involved HIV-positive gay men.

Shigellosis

A small outbreak of the infection, shigellosis, has been reported in London. This infection can be passed on during sex. Similar outbreaks have also been reported in the US, the Netherlands, Australia and Germany.

Shigellosis is caused by a bacterium called Shigella sonnei which is highly infectious, regardless of whether or not a person has HIV. It can cause severe diarrhoea. Symptoms can be worse in HIV-positive people who have weakened immune systems.

Shigella is transmitted by contact with very small amounts of human faeces (shit). This can occur as a consequence of poor hygiene, or during sex. Rimming, fingering, fisting, anal sex, handling sex toys after use in the anus, and occasionally oral sex can all carry a risk.

It makes good sense to wash your hands after sex, after using the toilet and before preparing food.

If you have severe diarrhoea you should see your doctor as soon as possible, who will check a faeces sample for shigella. It can be successfully treated with antibiotics.