[Serological passage of bacteria of the genus Providencia isolated from patients with wound, urological and intestinal infections].

A total of 395 Providencia strains isolated from patients and the environment were studied. Their differentiation by O and H antigens revealed that these strains belonged to 36 serological groups and contained 26 varieties of the flagellar antigen. In accordance with the combinations of O and H antigens, 59 serological variants were found among the Providencia strains. 33 new, formerly unknown serovars and 2 flagellar antigens were added to the existing antigenic and diagnostic scheme of Providencia. Most of the strains isolated from patients with surgical complications and burns were found to belong to P. stuartii, serovars O44: H4 and O4: H4, and from patients with acute intestinal diseases, to P. alcalifaciens, serovars O2: H26 and O50: H33.