Studies with Shigella dysenteriae (Shiga) infection and intoxication in Macacus mulatta monkeys.

Infections with Shigella paradysenteriae (Flexner) occur spontaneously in monkeys, and epidemics within a colony are not uncommon. Infections with Shigella dysenteriae (Shiga) have not been described in these animals. Whether or not it is possible to produce S. dysenteriae infection in monkeys is a question of more than academic interest. The study of the clinical and pathological picture produced in monkeys by S. dysenteriae (Shiga) and its toxins might give useful information about this relatively rare type of dysentery and afford an opportunity to study its treatment and prevention as well. The possibility of producing infection or intoxication of monkeys with S. dysenteriae (Shiga) or toxins prepared from this organism was investigated in this study, and the results are herein reported.