Shigellosis (Shigella spp.)
2005 Case Definition
2005 Case Definition
CSTE Position Statement(s)
- 09-ID-57
Clinical Description
An illness of variable severity characterized by diarrhea, fever, nausea, cramps, and tenesmus. Asymptomatic infections may occur.
Laboratory Criteria For Diagnosis
Isolation of Shigella from a clinical specimen
Case Classification
Probable
A clinically compatible case that is epidemiologically linked to a confirmed case.
Confirmed
A case that meets the laboratory criteria for diagnosis. When available, O antigen serotype characterization should be reported.
Comments
For users of the legacy National Electronic Telecommunications System for Surveillance (NETSS), laboratory-confirmed isolates are also reported via the Public Health Laboratory Information System (PHLIS), which is managed by the Foodborne and Diarrheal Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, CDC. The National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) or NEDSS compatible systems will eventually replace PHLIS; users of NEDSS or compatible systems which report to CDC should not report via PHLIS.
Both asymptomatic infections and infections at sites other than the gastrointestinal tract, if laboratory confirmed, are considered confirmed cases that should be reported.
The 2005 case definition appearing on this page was re-published in the 2009 CSTE position statement 09-ID-57. Thus, the 2005 and 2010 versions of the case definition are identical.