Value of Bacteriophage Determinations as a Supplemental Procedure in the Diagnosis of Bacillary Dysentery

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Abstract
Bacteriophage strains acting on Shigella paradysenteriae which were isolated from clinical and sub-clinical dysentery infections formed a homogeneous group with respect to plaque morphology, specificity, and cross resistance tests. Presence of this strain of phage appeared to be diagnostic since it was isolated in only one instance without other clinical or laboratory evidence of infection. During the 3d to 9th week after onset phage was found in 73% of specimens from 20 clinical cases, compared with 13% from which the organism could be isolated. 9 of the cases showed phage but no paradysentery organisms. Apparently not all infections develop phage, and the procedure is of most value as a supplemental method to cultural examination, especially in outbreaks when examinations cannot be made immediately after onset of disease.

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