Shigella bacterial culture and sensitivity (C&S) with stool specimen

Why Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like severe diarrhea, blood in your stool, fever, or abdominal pain—especially if you’ve traveled to areas with higher risk of Shigella infections. It’s also used to confirm a diagnosis in people with known exposure to contaminated food or water.

What Does the Test Involve?

A small stool sample is collected (usually via a clean catch or rectal swab) and sent to a lab. The sample is grown in special media to identify Shigella bacteria. Results may take several days to a week, as bacterial growth requires time.

What Are Common Symptoms?

Shigella infection often causes sudden onset of watery or bloody diarrhea, cramping, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms usually last 5–7 days but can persist longer if untreated. Seek medical attention if dehydration occurs (e.g., extreme thirst, dizziness, or reduced urine output).

How Is the Test Different from Other Stool Tests?

Unlike rapid antigen tests (which detect Shigella antigens directly), this culture method grows live bacteria to confirm the presence of Shigella species and assess antibiotic susceptibility. It’s more sensitive but slower than rapid tests.