INTERRELATIONSHIP OF CERTAIN SHIGELLA AND ESCHERICHIA CULTURES

Abstract

The antigenic relationship of S. dvsenteriae 2 (S. ambigua) and E. coli O group 112 a,c is reported. The O antigens of these 2 bacterial types are identical as demonstrated by reciprocal agglutinin adsorption tests. Further studies on E. coli O group 112 a,b are reported, and a Shigella-like culture (703) that contains identical thermostable somatic antigens is described. Preliminary investigations of a new E. coli O group are outlined. The interrelationships among enteric bacteria, and the importance to diagnostic bacteriology, are discussed.