[Recent acquisitions concerning pathogenic enterobacteria].

A subdivision of enterobacteria is made into classic pathogens and saprophytic species which become opportunistic agents of various syndromes. After a review of the epidemiological situation in Central Italy regarding salmonellosis and shigellosis, an analysis of the E. coli types involved in the enteritis syndromes is carried out. Other topics discussed in the article are the sistemic infections by Serratia, Kelbsiella, Enterobacter and Proteus strains; moreover the causative agents of urinary tract infections are reviewed. The role played in human pathology by all the enterobacteria allows to conclude that the work of the laboratorist would be closely cooperative with one of clinician in order to evaluate correctly the etio-epidemiological significance of the microbiological findings.