Escherichia-Shigella (E. coli/Shigella)

Escherichia-Shigella refers to a taxonomic grouping of Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacteria within the Enterobacteriaceae family that are genetically nearly indistinguishable (NCBI Taxonomy). While many strains of Escherichia coli are harmless commensals in the human digestive tract, certain pathogenic variants and Shigella species are major causes of diarrheal disease and systemic infections worldwide (CDC, 2023; StatPearls, 2023). Pathogenic members typically utilize complex virulence factors, such as Shiga toxins and type III secretion systems, to invade the intestinal epithelium and evade the host immune response (PubMed, PMID: 28504353). Treatment strategies focus on antimicrobial therapy, though the effectiveness of common drugs like fluoroquinolones and macrolides is increasingly compromised by rising rates of antibiotic resistance (WHO, 2022). This entity is classified as a pathogen group or taxon rather than a specific molecular target (e.g., a protein or receptor), which is why it is identified as an incorrect target type in a pharmacological context.

Other names

EscherichiaShigellaEscherichia coliShigella dysenteriaeShigella flexneriShigella sonneiShigella boydiiEnterobacteriaceae

Antibiotics targeting these bacteria typically inhibit DNA gyrase/topoisomerase IV (fluoroquinolones), bind to ribosomal subunits to arrest protein synthesis (macrolides), or inhibit peptidoglycan cross-linking in the bacterial cell wall (beta-lactams) (StatPearls, 2023; WHO Guidelines, 2022).