[Shigellosis in the USSR: the biochemical picture of Shigella sonnei].

The article deals with original data characterizing the biochemical picture of S. sonnei circulating in the USSR in 1983-1985. Sub-biovars IIe, IIg and Ia have been shown to prevail practically in all regions, irrespective of the intensity of functioning of the centralized alimentary and chronic water routes of transmission of shigellae. These sub-biovars most frequently cause significant alimentary outbreaks of Sonne dysentery transmitted with milk. Doubts are expressed concerning the importance of the immunological factor in the formation of the biochemical picture of S. sonnei. The necessity of the additional differentiation of strains belonging to the prevalent sub-biovars for epidemiological purposes is emphasized.