Shigella pathogenesis: molecular and computational insights

Abstract

Shigellosis, characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the large intestine, is caused by infection with Shigella species. It is a major public health problem in developing countries where filthy sanitation practices and restricted access to clean water encourage the spread of the disease. Shigellosis is spread by means of fecal-oral route. It is one of the most common disorders specially affecting children in West Bengal, India. Disease from Shigella species accounts for 165 million cases of diarrhoea culminating in one million deaths annually worldwide. Severe dysentery is treated still with antibiotics, with limited success because of the continuous development of multi drug resistance by the bacteria. WHO has identified Shigella as a potential target pathogen against which new drugs need to be formulated and in silico approach has the potential to identify drug targets. Molecular modeling of Shigella invasion proteins using computational tools may divulge novel therapeutic targets that can be used for future pharmacological intervention. Detailed annotation of previously unknown Hypothetical Proteins using an in-silico pipeline can identify crucial proteins in pathogenesis cascade, which can be explored further as effective drug targets, which may eventually enable us to combat the menace of shigellosis.