Islam, M SHossain, M AKhan, S IKhan, M NSack, R BAlbert, M JHuq, AColwell, R R2001-09-052009-05-272001-09-052009-05-272001-09-05Islam MS, Hossain MA, Khan SI, Khan MN, Sack RB, Albert MJ, Huq A, Colwell RR. Survival of Shigella dysenteriae type 1 on fomites. Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition. 2001 Sep; 19(3): 177-82http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/605Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition.Studies have shown that various objects, such as utensils, toys, and clothes, can serve as vehicles for transmission of Shigella spp. Shigellae can become viable but non-culturable (VBNC) when exposed to various environmental conditions as shown in earlier studies. The present study was carried out to detect VBNC Shigella dysenteriae type 1 on various fomites by direct viable counting, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and fluorescent antibody methods. S. dysenteriae type 1 was inoculated onto cloth, wood, plastic, aluminum, and glass objects. Results showed that 1.5-4.0 hours after inoculation, S. dysenteriae type 1 became non-culturable, and after five days, non-culturable but viable S. dysenteriae type 1 could be detected by both PCR and fluorescent antibody techniques. Fomites can be considered an important potential route of transmission of VBNC S. dysenteriae type 1 and a significant factor in the epidemiology of shigellosis.engBangladesh --epidemiologyColony Count, Microbial --methodsDisease ReservoirsDysentery, Bacillary --epidemiologyFluorescent Antibody Technique --methodsHumansPolymerase Chain Reaction --methodsShigella dysenteriae --growth & developmentComparative Study