Shigellosis

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and about the appearance of your bowel movements. He or she also will ask you about recent travel to developing countries, contact with people who have severe diarrhea, and possible exposure to contaminated pools or lakes, or food.

Your doctor will diagnose shigellosis based on a physical examination and the results of laboratory tests. These tests include taking a swab of your rectum or a sample of your stool to be checked in the laboratory for Shigella bacteria. If you have signs of dehydration (excessive loss of body water) or significant blood loss, additional blood tests may be necessary.

Expected Duration

In most otherwise healthy people with mild shigellosis, diarrhea goes away on its own within five to seven days. However, in very young children, the elderly, or people with chronic illnesses, shigellosis can be severe and can lead to life-threatening dehydration and other complications within a few days.