A Primary Division of the Genus Shigella Based on the Trimethylamine Test

Abstract

258 cultures of Shigella are divided into 2 groups on the basis of their ability, or lack of it, to reduce trimethylamine oxide to trimethylamine. The division is in excellent agreement with that of Stuart and Rustigan based on the Eijkman reaction. Both of these tests may be of value for differential purposes to laboratories not equipped with antisera.