Shigella causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever and diarrhea for an average of 5 to 7 days. In most cases the disease goes away on its own, and people usually just need plenty of fluids and rest. But in rare cases, it can cause serious, even fatal complications, especially in people with weakened or underdeveloped immune systems.
Antibiotics are used to treat severe Shigella infections or to keep the infection under control in those at high risk of the disease. But in recent years, more and more antibiotic-resistant Shigella strains have emerged.
For example, the vaccine under development uses an attenuated version of the orally ingested Shigella bacteria. The phase II trial officially started last October, but Emory University is still actively recruiting.
They plan to recruit 120 healthy volunteers, ages 18 to 49, with no known history of Shigella or irritable bowel syndrome. Yes, people are deliberately exposed to bacteria and can get sick. Luckily, volunteers will be able to earn up to $4,250 by completing the study over eight months. Trials will be held in Georgia and Ohio.
Source: Ferra
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