Differential gene expression profile of Shigella dysenteriae causing bacteremia in an immunocompromised individual

AIM: Shigella species has varying levels of virulence gene expression with respect to different sites of infection. In this study, the differential gene expression of S. dysenteriae in response to its site of infection was analyzed by transcriptomics. METHODS: This study includes four clinical Shigella isolates. Transcriptomics was done for the stool and blood samples of a single patient. Isolates were screened for the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes. RESULTS: The majority of genes involved in invasion were highly expressed in the strain isolated from the primary site of infection. Additionally, antimicrobial resistance (dhfr1A, sulII, bla(OXA). bla(CTX-M-1) and qnrS) genes were identified. CONCLUSION: This study provides a concise view of the transcriptional expression of clinical strains and provides a basis for future functional studies on Shigella spp.