ICD-11 Codes
for 1A02 - Intestinal infections due to Shigella

Teodor Jurukovski January 1, 1970

Fact checked by: Teodor Jurukovski

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Understanding Intestinal Infections due to Shigella - ICD-11 Code 1A02

Intestinal infections due to Shigella, classified under ICD-11 code 1A02, are acute gastrointestinal illnesses caused by infection with bacteria of the genus Shigella. These gram-negative organisms invade the intestinal lining, leading to inflammation and impaired absorption of water and electrolytes. The condition is commonly known as shigellosis or bacillary dysentery.

Infection typically begins abruptly and is characterised by diarrhoea, which may be watery or bloody, along with systemic symptoms such as fever and nausea. Transmission occurs through ingestion of contaminated food or water or through direct contact with faecal matter from an infected individual. Even a small number of organisms can cause disease, making Shigella highly contagious.

Key symptoms of shigellosis

Symptoms usually develop within one to two days after exposure, although onset may be delayed for up to a week. The severity ranges from mild self-limiting illness to severe dysentery, particularly in young children and older adults.

Most individuals recover within seven days. Some people remain asymptomatic but continue to shed bacteria in their stool, posing a transmission risk to others.

How Shigella infections develop and who is at risk

Infection occurs when Shigella organisms are swallowed and reach the intestine, where they invade the mucosal lining. Poor hand hygiene and contaminated food or water are the most common routes of exposure. Because the infectious dose is very low, outbreaks can occur rapidly in close-contact settings.

Confirming an intestinal Shigella infection

Diagnosis is established by laboratory testing of a stool sample. Identification of Shigella species confirms the cause of infectious diarrhoea and distinguishes it from other bacterial or viral pathogens.

Stool culture remains essential for public health surveillance and for antimicrobial susceptibility testing, which guides appropriate antibiotic selection. Nucleic acid amplification tests such as PCR provide rapid detection and can also identify genetically similar enteroinvasive Escherichia coli, but they do not replace culture when resistance monitoring is required.

Managing and preventing Shigella infections

Management is primarily supportive. Diarrhoea and vomiting can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte loss, particularly in children and older adults, making hydration a critical aspect of care. Oral rehydration is usually sufficient, while intravenous fluids may be required in severe cases.

Prevention relies on strict hand hygiene with soap and water, safe food handling practices, and avoidance of untreated water sources. Individuals with active diarrhoea should avoid work, school, childcare, and swimming activities until fully recovered to reduce transmission.

Are intestinal infections due to Shigella ICD codes billable

The ICD-11 code 1A02 for intestinal infections due to Shigella is a billable diagnostic code. It can be used for clinical documentation, epidemiological reporting, and reimbursement purposes where ICD-11 coding is accepted. Accurate coding supports appropriate care planning, public health tracking, and antimicrobial resistance surveillance.