Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men* are among groups at high risk for infection with Shigella germs. This infection is called shigellosis. Shigella germs spread easily and rapidly among people, including during sexual activity.

Men who have sex with men are particularly at risk for infections with antimicrobial-resistant Shigella. Antimicrobial resistance happens when germs like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. That means the germs are not killed and continue to grow. Shigella germs are increasingly resistant to antibiotic treatment.