Abstract:ObjectiveTo investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility and the carrying of virulence genes of Shigella sonnei (S. sonnei) in Changsha area. MethodsSusceptibilities of 30 S. sonnei strains to 6 kinds of antimicrobial agents (ampicillin, cefotaxime, nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, compound sulfamethoxazole) were detected by disc diffusion method; 4 virulence genes (set1, sen, ial,ipaH) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). ResultsOf all detected antimicrobial agents, ampicillin, nalidixic acid and compound sulfamethoxazole had the highest resistance rate(100%); while ciprofloxacin and gentamicin had higher susceptibility rate (93.33% and 83.33％ respectively). PCR revealed that the carrying rate of set1, sen, ial and ipaH in 30 S. sonnei strains was 0,13.33%, 13.33% and 53.33% respectively. ConclusionResistance of S. sonnei to the thirdgeneration cefalosporins and sulfonamides are quite serious, thirdgeneration quinolones can still be used as the first choice of drug treatment for S. sonnei infection. Carrying rate of virulence genes are low among S. sonnei in Changsha area.