Shigella
This assay is only available as part of a panel and cannot be ordered individually.
Shigella infections account for five to twenty percent of all diarrheal episodes throughout the world, and although these infections are commonly seen in children younger than five years old, they can be found in adults of all ages.1,2 In 2010, the incidence of Shigella in the US was 3.8 per 100,000.3 Shigella species are Gram-negative, non-sporulating, rod-shaped bacteria that belong to the family Enterobacteriaceae. Shigellosis often begins with fever, watery diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, and can progress to bloody diarrhea. Shigellosis is usually self-limiting but can become life-threatening if patients are immunocompromised.1
References
1. Schroeder, G. N. and H. Hilbi. Molecular pathogenesis of Shigella spp.: controlling host cell signaling, invasion, and death by type III secretion. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2008 Jan 21(1):134-156.
2. Navaneethan, U. and R. A. Giannella (2008). Mechanisms of infectious diarrhea. Nat Clin Pract Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008 Nov 5(11): 637-647.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Vital Signs: Incidence and Trends of Infection with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food - Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 10 U.S. Sites, 1996-2010. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2011 Jun 10;60(22):749-55.
Specimens are approved for testing in New York only when indicated in the Specimen Information field above.
The CPT codes provided are based on Viracor Eurofins' interpretation of the American Medical Association's Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and are provided for general informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Questions regarding coding should be addressed to your local Medicare carrier. Viracor Eurofins assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes illustrated in this material.