Shigellosis in young children in low-income and middle-income countries: insights from molecular diagnostics.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To describe the impact of molecular diagnostics on our understanding of the burden and epidemiology of shigellosis in children in low-income and middle-income countries.

RECENT FINDINGS: The incorporation of molecular diagnostics has led to a substantial increase in estimates of the burden of shigellosis and have allowed for further resolution of other aspects of Shigella epidemiology, including the clinical characteristics of shigellosis, the association between clinical and subclinical Shigella infection and linear growth shortfalls, protection after natural infection, duration of convalescent shedding, and host determinants of susceptibility.

SUMMARY: The increased sensitivity and precision afforded by molecular approaches has represented a major advance in our understanding of the epidemiology and burden of shigellosis in the settings of highest importance.