Abstract: Objective The study was conducted to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of bacillary dysentery and the drug resistance of this pathogenic bacterium. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed based on the network direct reporting data in relation to bacillary dysentery epidemic and pathogens detected through laboratory tests maintained by the First People's Hospital, Yongkang, Zhejiang province from 2004 to 2006. Results A total of 487 cases of bacillary dysentery were reported from 2004 to 2006, accounting for 5.05% of total reported infectious diseases. The incidence of dysentery was declining in this period, accounting for 6.49%, 5.23% and 3.39% in proportion to the total incidence of infectious diseases. The highest incidence rate was found in 0- to 9-year-olds and 20-to 39-year-olds; infants, scattered children, students and farmers, migrant workers were mostly involved. The peak period for bacillary dysentery was August to October. A total of 54 strains of Shigella flexneri and 8 strains of Shigella sonnei were detected, which accounted for 87.10% and 13.90%, respectively. Type 2 Shigella flexneri were predominant whereas Type 1 and 4 accounted for a small portion. Shigella sonnei had higher resistance to most antibacterial drugs than Shigella flexneri; both strains had low resistance to piperacillin / tazobactam, ceftazidime, furazolidone and imipenem. Conclusion The incidence of bacterial dysentery was gradually declining. The highest incidence was seen in the 0- to 9-year-old group and 20- to 39-year-old group. The peak period was August to October. Shigella flexneri constituted the predominant pathogen, resistant to most antibacterials.