Shigella Test Kit Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2019-2029F

Global Shigella Test Kit Market was valued at USD 106.83 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to project steady growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 6.34% through 2029. Shigella Detection kit is specifically designed for the swift identification of Shigella bacteria in clinical samples such as stool specimens or food. Shigellosis is an acute infectious diarrheal disease caused by Shigella bacteria, which are highly resilient to acidic environments. Following ingestion, these bacteria travel from the stomach to the small intestine where they multiply. Subsequently, they migrate in large numbers to the colon and invade its epithelium. There are four species of Shigella, S. sonnei, S. flexneri, S. dysenteriae, and S. boydii, with S. dysenteriae being the most aggressive due to its ability to produce a potent cytotoxin called Shigatoxin.

These kits employ advanced molecular techniques such as PCR or antigen-antibody assays to detect specific elements and genetic sequences unique to Shigella bacteria. The market growth is driven by the increasing prevalence of Shigella infections worldwide and the rising demand for precise and prompt diagnostic tests for this pathogen. Challenges include cost constraints, especially in resource-limited settings, and the requirement for reliable cold chain logistics for certain types of test kits. Technological advancements and growing global awareness of foodborne illnesses are also contributing to the growth and development of this market segment.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Incidence of Shigella Infections

The global rise in Shigella infections has spurred demand for diagnostic tools that can accurately detect the bacteria in clinical samples such as stool specimens. This capability is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment, significantly impacting patient outcomes. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Yellow Book 2024, Shigella is estimated to cause between 80 to 165 million cases of disease and 600,000 deaths annually worldwide, with children being the most affected. Of these cases, approximately 20 to 119 million illnesses and 6,900 to 30,000 deaths are attributed to foodborne transmission.

Shigella outbreaks can occur in diverse settings including healthcare facilities, schools, childcare centers, and community gatherings. The rapid identification of Shigella through test kits enables swift public health responses, such as implementing infection control measures and administering targeted antibiotic therapy. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control's annual epidemiological report for 2022, the highest rate of shigellosis was reported in children under five years at 3.0 cases per 100,000 population.

Effective surveillance of Shigella infections relies on diagnostic data obtained from these test kits. Increasing incidence rates underscore the importance of robust surveillance systems supported by accurate and reliable diagnostic tools to monitor trends and detect outbreaks early. Governments and healthcare organizations prioritize addressing infectious diseases like Shigella to reduce morbidity and mortality rates. Regulatory frameworks increasingly emphasize the importance of accurate diagnostics in healthcare settings, driving the adoption of validated Shigella test kits to ensure quality and reliability in diagnostic procedures. The rising incidence of Shigella infections intensifies the market demand for dependable and efficient diagnostic solutions. Shigella test kits play a critical role in healthcare settings and public health strategies by enabling early detection, effective treatment, and proactive disease management. Manufacturers and healthcare providers respond to this demand by advancing diagnostic capabilities and expanding the availability of test kits to support global health initiatives.

Increasing Focus on Point-of-Care Testing

Point-of-Care (POC) testing enables rapid identification of Shigella bacteria, facilitating immediate initiation of treatment and infection control measures, which are essential for managing outbreaks and preventing further transmission. Quick test results empower healthcare providers to make informed decisions at the point of care, including prescribing appropriate antibiotics or implementing isolation protocols to contain the spread of infection. This capability of POC testing contributes significantly to more effective public health interventions and containment strategies in response to Shigella outbreaks.

Dr. Subhra Chakraborty and her team from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health developed a new rapid diagnostic test for ETEC and Shigella diarrhea using a DNA amplification method called Rapid Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP). The RLDT provides results as positive or negative within 40 minutes, offering simplicity, rapidity, and the advantage of operating without a cold chain, extensive training, or significant electricity requirements. The study detailing the development of this test kit was published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases in 2023.

The increasing recognition of POC testing's benefits, coupled with advancements enhancing the accuracy and reliability of these tests, is driving demand for Shigella test kits specifically designed for POC settings. This shift toward POC testing represents a pivotal market driver in the Shigella test kit segment, leveraging its capability to deliver rapid and dependable diagnostic outcomes directly in bedside or community healthcare settings.

Key Market Challenges

Cold Chain Logistics Hurdles

Cold chain logistics pose a significant challenge for the Shigella test kit market, especially for kits that rely on delicate reagents or advanced molecular techniques like PCR or antigen detection. These kits require precise temperature control to preserve the stability and accuracy of their reagents. Temperature fluctuations during transportation or storage can degrade these reagents, compromising the reliability of test results. Maintaining the cold chain from manufacturing facilities to distribution points and finally to end-users, such as healthcare facilities or field settings, presents logistical complexities. It involves specialized packaging, temperature monitoring devices, and expedited shipping methods to ensure that the required temperature conditions are maintained throughout the supply chain.

The additional costs associated with cold chain logistics contribute to the overall expense of Shigella test kits. Expenses include investments in packaging, monitoring equipment, and logistics to uphold cold chain integrity. These added costs can restrict affordability and accessibility, particularly in resource-constrained settings where the prevalence of Shigella infections is high. Healthcare facilities must have adequate refrigeration infrastructure and protocols in place to store Shigella test kits according to stringent manufacturer guidelines. In regions with unreliable electricity supply, ensuring consistent storage conditions becomes even more challenging. To overcome these challenges in the Shigella test kit market, innovative solutions are essential. These may include developing reagents that are more resilient to temperature fluctuations, enhancing packaging designs for better insulation, and forging partnerships with logistics expert's adept in managing cold chain logistics effectively. Such measures are crucial for ensuring reliable access to accurate Shigella diagnostics across diverse healthcare settings.

Complexity of Diagnosis

Shigellosis, caused by Shigella bacteria, presents a variety of symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and sometimes vomiting, which can overlap with other gastrointestinal infections. Differentiating Shigella infections from other causes of acute gastroenteritis based solely on clinical symptoms can be challenging. Accurate diagnosis often necessitates specific laboratory tests to identify Shigella bacteria, as symptoms alone are not conclusive. Conventional methods like culture-based tests are time-consuming and may lack sensitivity compared to more advanced molecular techniques such as PCR or antigen detection.

Molecular diagnostic methods like PCR require specialized equipment, trained personnel, and laboratory infrastructure. Access to these resources can be limited in certain healthcare settings, particularly in low-resource or rural areas where Shigella infections are prevalent. The time required to obtain test results, particularly with traditional culture methods, can delay the initiation of diagnosis and treatment. This delay is critical during outbreaks or in cases requiring immediate intervention to prevent further transmission. Addressing the complexity of diagnosis in the Shigella test kit market requires innovative approaches, including the development of user-friendly and reliable diagnostic tools that are accessible even in resource-limited settings.

Key Market Trends

Growing Focus on Surveillance and Epidemiology

There is an increasing recognition of the importance of robust surveillance systems to monitor the prevalence, incidence, and geographic distribution of Shigella infections. Accurate and timely data from these surveillance efforts inform public health strategies and interventions aimed at controlling the spread of the disease. Rapid detection of Shigella outbreaks is crucial for implementing timely public health interventions to prevent further transmission. Surveillance systems, equipped with effective diagnostic tools such as Shigella test kits, play a pivotal role in detecting and responding to outbreaks. A study on Molecular Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Shigella flexneri published in 2024 highlights the dynamic nature of Shigella infections, including varying occurrence patterns, evolving resistance landscapes, and genetic adaptability. These insights are essential for addressing the rising challenge of antibiotic resistance in Shigella infections and guiding efforts in disease surveillance, prevention, and treatment.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have observed an increase in extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella infections through national surveillance systems. In 2022, approximately 5% of reported Shigella infections to the CDC were caused by XDR strains, compared to none reported in 2015. Surveillance programs are instrumental in monitoring trends in antibiotic resistance among Shigella strains, which is critical for informing treatment strategies and containing the spread of drug-resistant infections. Shigella test kits capable of identifying resistance markers contribute significantly to these surveillance efforts. Advancements in diagnostic technologies, including molecular techniques and data analytics, enhance the sensitivity, specificity, and scalability of surveillance efforts for Shigella. These technologies enable real-time data collection and analysis, thereby improving the responsiveness of public health systems to outbreaks and emerging trends. The growing emphasis on surveillance and epidemiology as a market trend in the Shigella test kit sector underscores the importance of proactive disease monitoring, early outbreak detection, and evidence-based public health interventions. Innovations in surveillance capabilities supported by advanced diagnostic tools are crucial for effectively controlling and managing Shigella infections on a global scale.

Segmental Insights

Test Type Insights

Based on Test Type, the Polymerase chain reaction assay emerged as the fastest growing segment in the global market for Shigella Test Kit during the forecast period. PCR assays offer precise sensitivity and specificity for detecting Shigella bacteria by accurately identifying Shigella DNA in clinical samples, even at low concentrations, which is crucial for early and dependable diagnosis. A 2024 study published in Oxford Academic highlighted the effectiveness of Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) targeting ipaH in detecting Shigella, demonstrating its efficiency compared to culture-based methods, which often underestimate Shigella presence by 2- to 3-fold. qPCR assays have also been developed for Shigella speciation and serotyping, essential for both vaccine development and evaluation. PCR assays provide rapid results compared to conventional culture-based methods, delivering outcomes within hours. This capability enables healthcare providers to promptly initiate treatment and implement infection control measures. PCR platforms are increasingly automated, streamlining laboratory workflows and reducing hands-on time for personnel. Automation enhances efficiency in diagnostic settings, making PCR assays particularly appealing for high-volume testing environments. Continued advancements in PCR technology, including improvements in reagent stability, instrument portability, and integration with data analytics, are further bolstering the adoption of PCR assays in the Shigella test kit market. These innovations drive enhanced performance and broader applicability in clinical and public health settings worldwide.

Technology Insights

Based on Technology Type, Nucleic acid-based tests emerged as the dominating segment in the global market for Shigella Test Kit in 2023. Nucleic acid-based tests, such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and other amplification techniques, offer highly sensitive and specific detection of genetic material unique to Shigella bacteria. These tests can identify low levels of the pathogen in clinical samples, enhancing diagnostic accuracy even during early infection stages. Compared to traditional culture-based methods, PCR assays deliver results rapidly, typically within hours, enabling prompt initiation of treatment and infection control measures. Modern nucleic acid-based tests often support multiplexing, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens including various Shigella strains and other relevant gastrointestinal pathogens. This capability streamlines testing processes and supports comprehensive diagnostic evaluations. These tests are versatile and applicable across diverse sample types, including stool specimens and food samples, crucial for clinical diagnostics and epidemiological surveillance. Their capability to detect specific genetic sequences ensures precise identification of Shigella strains and facilitates monitoring of antibiotic resistance patterns. Continuous innovation in nucleic acid-based testing has led to improvements in reagent stability, instrument portability, and integration with data management systems. These advancements enhance the reliability, reproducibility, and scalability of nucleic acid tests, making them increasingly appealing for clinical and public health applications.

Regional Insights

Based on Region, Asia Pacific emerged as the fastest growing region in the Global Shigella Test Kit Market during the forecast period. Countries such as India, China, and Southeast Asian nations are facing significant challenges related to infectious diseases, particularly Shigella infections. The high prevalence of these diseases underscores the urgent need for effective diagnostic tools to improve disease management and public health outcomes. In India, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), shigella infections are endemic and have been associated with numerous outbreaks. S. boydii is predominantly found in the Indian subcontinent, while S. dysenteriae accounts for the majority of Shigella species isolated in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Economic growth in many Asia-Pacific countries has led to increased healthcare expenditures. Governments and private sectors are investing more in healthcare infrastructure, including diagnostic capabilities, to enhance healthcare delivery and strengthen disease surveillance systems. In 2024, the ICMR-National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (NIRBI) developed a promising vaccine candidate, placing the ICMR at the forefront of efforts to develop the first vaccine against Shigella. Scientists at ICMR-NIRBI anticipate that the vaccine could be available for use within the next two years pending successful completion of human trials. The Asia-Pacific region is actively embracing technological advancements in healthcare, particularly in molecular diagnostics such as PCR assays. These advanced technologies enable rapid and accurate detection of Shigella bacteria, aligning with the region's ongoing efforts to modernize healthcare services and improve diagnostic capabilities.

Key Market Players

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
• Meridian Bioscience, Inc.
• QIAGEN N.V.
• Diasorin S.p.A.
• Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.
• BioMérieux SA
• Hygiena LLC
• Molbio Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd.
• Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc.
• CTK Biotech, Inc.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Shigella Test Kit Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Shigella Test Kit Market, By Test Type:

• Lateral flow assays
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay
• Others

Shigella Test Kit Market, By Technology:

• Conventional diagnostic tests
• Nucleic acid-based tests
• Others

Shigella Test Kit Market, By End User:

• Hospitals
• Diagnostic laboratories
• Research institutes
• Others

Shigella Test Kit Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Shigella Test Kit Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Shigella Test Kit Market report with the given market data, the publisher offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

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