The total and differential leukocyte count of 4 groups of patients, admitted to the hospital because of acute gastroenteritis was evaluated. The 4 groups included: (a) 131 adult patients with positive stool culture for shigella; (b) 23 children (age less than 15 years) with positive stool culture for shigella; (c) 52 adult patients with positive stool culture for salmonella; (d) 43 adult patients with negative stool culture for bacterial pathogens. The total leukocyte count did not contribute to the differential diagnosis between shigella gastroenteritis and gastroenteritis of other etiology. However, the absolute band count was significantly higher in adults with shigella gastroenteritis. Moreover, a band to total neutrophil ratio further increased the diagnosis specificity. The differential leukocyte count can contribute to early diagnosis of shigellosis in adult patients.