[Data on the biological characteristics of serological group O4 Escherichia isolated in acute intestinal diseases].

A study was made of 155 strains of E. coli of the O4 serological group isolated from sick children and adults during group and sporadic acute intestinal diseases), from persons who came in contact with them, and also from healthy persons during prophylactic examination; three standard cultures were examined as well. Along with strains with a typical enzymatic activity there were strains which produced retarded lactose fermentation and also gas-free, immobile and lysin-negative strains resembling Shigellae. Eight biochemical types were determined among E. coli 04. A study of the antigenic structure by cross agglutinin adsorption indicated identicity of the strains by O-antigen and their difference by the K- and H-antigens. Circulation of E. coli of serological types O4: K12(L): H1,O4: K3(L): H5,O4: K3(L): H12,04: K12(L): H40,04: K52(L): H4, and O4: K12(L) HII was revealed; the first two serological types prevailed. Serological types of O4: K3(L):H12, O4: K12(L): HI and O4: K12(L): H40, isolated in cases of group and sporadic acute intestinal diseases were described for the first time.