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