[Experience in using the indirect hemagglutination test to detect Shigella Sonnei in market milk].

The results obtained by analyzing 231 samples of market milk during the period of 1977-1978 are presented. The microbial index, E. coli titer, the presence of pathogenic and opportunistic microflora, as well as the presence of Sh. sonnei antigen were determined. In 39.3% of the milk samples the microbial index was found to be 4 x 10(6), and E. coli titer was 0.001 and lower. No pathogenic microflora was detected in bacteriological assays, but the indirect hemagglutination test with the use of diagnostic antibody reagent revealed the presence of Sh. sonnei antigen in 12 samples. The examination of 28 members of the families which had supplied this milk to the market revealed 3 cases of dysentery infection. The authors propose to widely use the indirect hemagglutination test with diagnostic antibody reagent as an express method for the detection of Sh. sonnei in milk.