Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffMost people who have shigella infection get well on their own and don't need to see a doctor. If you or your child has severe symptoms or a high fever, you may need treatment.
What you can do
Before talking with your doctor, you may want to write a list that answers the following questions:
- What symptoms are occurring?
- When did the symptoms start?
- Have you or your child been exposed to shigella infection?
- Do you or your child have a fever? If so, how high is it?
What to expect from your doctor
During the physical exam, your doctor may press on various parts of your abdomen to check for pain or tenderness. He or she may also use a cotton swab to obtain a stool culture or send you home with instructions for collecting and transporting a sample of your stool so it can be tested for evidence of infection.
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- Shigellosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdcc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/shigellosis_gi.html. Accessed Jan. 28, 2010.
- Ashkenazi S, et al. Shigella species. In: Long SS, et al. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/184126838-3/954613481/1679/151.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06687-0..50150-8_2975. Accessed Jan. 28, 2010.
- Fort GG, et al. Shigellosis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/184126838-3/954613481/2088/602.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00028-9--s2235_12359. Accessed Jan. 28, 2010.
- Gianella RA. Invasive pathogens. In: Feldman M., et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/184126838-3/954613481/1389/778.html#. Accessed Jan. 28, 2010.
- Steckelberg JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 3, 2010.

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