[Characteristics of serological group O144:K? Escherichia isolated in acute intestinal diseases]

A study of 14 strains of E. coli belonging to serological group O144: K? isolated in clinical dysentery (bacteriologically unconfirmed), from contacts in the foci of clinical dysentery and acute enteric disease of unknown etiology, and also in prophylactic examination, was made. Among these cultures there were strains with shigella characteristics. Along with the serological type O144: K?: H--described earlier there was determined serological type O144: K?: H4 differing in the enzymatic activity and the absence of the capacity to produce shigellae keratoconjunctivitis. The cultures of the given serological type were isolated in the focus of bacteriologically-undeciphered acute intestinal disease, this pointing to their possible etiological role. In the light of the aforesaid escherichia of the O144: K? serologically groups could be referred to the enteropathogenic ones; in this connection it is necessary to prepare preparations for their serological identification.