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Multidrug-resistant Shigella flexneri outbreak affecting humans and non-human primates in New Mexico, USA

Author

Listed:
  • Sarah Shrum Davis

    (New Mexico Department of Health
    Office for Community Health
    University of New Mexico)

  • Paris Salazar-Hamm

    (University of New Mexico
    University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
    New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
    University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center)

  • Karen Edge

    (New Mexico Department of Health)

  • Tim Hanosh

    (New Mexico Department of Health)

  • Jessica Houston

    (New Mexico Department of Health)

  • Anastacia Griego-Fisher

    (New Mexico Department of Health)

  • Francelli Lugo

    (City of Albuquerque Environmental Health)

  • Nicholas Wenzel

    (New Mexico Department of Health)

  • D’Eldra Malone

    (New Mexico Department of Health)

  • Carol Bradford

    (City of Albuquerque BioPark)

  • Kelly Plymesser

    (New Mexico Department of Health
    Office for Community Health)

  • Michael Baker

    (New Mexico Department of Health
    Office for Community Health)

  • Kurt Schwalm

    (University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center)

  • Sarah Lathrop

    (Office for Community Health)

  • Chad Smelser

    (New Mexico Department of Health)

  • Darrell L. Dinwiddie

    (University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
    University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center)

  • Daryl Domman

    (University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
    University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
    Los Alamos National Laboratory)

Abstract

Shigellosis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by species of Shigella. A large outbreak of Shigella flexneri serotype 2a occurred in Albuquerque, New Mexico between May 2021 and November 2023 that involved humans and non-human primates (NHP) from a local zoo. We analyzed the genomes of 202 New Mexican isolates as well as 15 closely related isolates from other states, and four from NHP. The outbreak was initially detected within men who have sex with men but then predominantly affected people experiencing homelessness. Nearly 70% of cases were hospitalized and there was one human death. The outbreak extended into Albuquerque’s BioPark Zoo, causing high morbidity and six deaths in NHPs. All isolates were multidrug-resistant, including towards fluoroquinolones, a first line treatment option which led to treatment failures in human and NHP populations. We show the circulation of the same S. flexneri strain in humans and NHPs, causing fatalities in both populations. This study demonstrates the threat of antimicrobial resistant organisms to vulnerable human and NHP populations and emphasizes the value of genomic surveillance within a One Health framework.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Shrum Davis & Paris Salazar-Hamm & Karen Edge & Tim Hanosh & Jessica Houston & Anastacia Griego-Fisher & Francelli Lugo & Nicholas Wenzel & D’Eldra Malone & Carol Bradford & Kelly Plymesser & Mi, 2025. "Multidrug-resistant Shigella flexneri outbreak affecting humans and non-human primates in New Mexico, USA," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-59766-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59766-3
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