[The persistence of Shigella sonnei in epithelial tissue in Serény's model].

The duration of persistence of S. sonnei in the tissues of a guinea pig eye (Serény's model) has been studied. Bacteriological and histological investigations made with the use of fluorescent antibody techniques have revealed that S. sonnei can be preserved in macrophages (histiocytes) and intercellular space of the eye epithelium for a long time (up to 277 days). The injection of ACTH or Shigella vaccine into the animals may provoke the exacerbation of the infectious process and the release of the infective agent.