We analysed the peripheral leukocyte count of 80 children with shigella gastroenteritis. The total leukocyte count varied widely from leukopenia to leukocytosis, and is therefore of little value in differentiating shigellosis from viral gastroenteritis. The leukocyte differential count, however, revealed a striking shift to the left in 71% of the patients. This parameter may help in the preliminary diagnosis of shigella gastroenteritis. We have stressed the fact that three pediatric textbooks do not refer to this aspect in their relevant chapters on shigellosis.