Bacillary dysentery is endemic in the United States, and
localized epidemics occur from time to time. Our Army and Navy
particularly stand in danger from this disease. Of late,
confusion has arisen regarding its etiology, as a result of the
failure of the isolation of B. dysenteriae from the stools of
patients. These fac tors have led us to devise an improved
method of isolation and rapid identification of these organisms.
The failure on the part of some workers to isolate the true
dysentery bacilli from cases of clinical dysentery is
attributable largely to two factors: (1) the improper selection
of stool specimens for cultures, and (2) the use of unfavorable
culture mediums. 1. Selection of Stool Specimens for Plating.
—Too much emphasis cannot be laid on the importance of choosing
a satisfactory sample of stool. If possible, one containing
blood and mucus with little or no fecal matter should