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VACCINES

ETEC AND SHIGELLA

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and Shigella are two of the top five pathogens that cause moderate and severe diarrhea among children in Africa and South Asia. Typically caused by contaminated food or water, infections can lead to severe dehydration and death. Repeated infections can stunt children’s physical and cognitive development, causing a cascading burden with long-term consequences.

In low-income countries, access to medical treatment is often limited. On top of this challenge, bacterial resistance to antibiotics is growing. Vaccines that prevent ETEC and Shigella, which are currently under development, hold dramatic potential for reducing disease burden. PATH is collaborating with partners around the globe on advancing research on several vaccine candidates in the laboratory and through clinical trials.

Infographic titled "Shigella: A severe, increasingly drug-resistant bacterial cause of diarrhea" with an abstract purple bacterial design on a dark background and the "DEFEEATDD" logo at the bottom.
A graphic depicting Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) bacteria, highlighting it as a leading cause of repeated diarrhea infections in infants. The image features blue, rod-shaped bacteria with tail-like appendages on a dark background with the text "DEFEATDD" at the bottom right.
A woman wearing a turquoise headscarf holds a young child in a plaid shirt and striped sweater. The child points forward with interest. Other people are in the background, out of focus.
Shigella: A survivor's Story
A joyful young boy in a blue shirt and navy shorts runs along a dirt path through a lush green field. The background is filled with misty trees and a hazy sky, creating a serene rural scene.

STATE OF THE FIELD REPORT

Global research and partnerships are advancing the development of safe, effective, and affordable vaccines against ETEC and Shigella pathogens. If introduced in high-burden countries or sub-national regions once they are available, these vaccines are projected to have a significant public health impact.