MICROBIAL DISEASES OF MAN AND ANIMALS 583 



Escape from the diseased body is usually in pus discharged from 

 actinomycotic abscesses. In case of open lung or intestinal lesions it may 

 be discharged through the trachea or intestines. 



Very little is known concerning the disseminating agents except that 

 the sharp awns of barley and some similar bodies from other wild grasses 

 have been found carrying actinomycotic infection. There appears good 

 reason for believing that such awns frequently serve to spread the disease. 

 Actinomycotic pus scattered over fodder, mangers, and feed racks 

 probably serves indirectly as a source of dissemination. 



Actinomycosis is not a disease of rapid or extensive dissemination. 

 Control work is usually confined to isolation, to proper disposition of 

 diseased animals and to suitable disinfection. It is recognized in sani- 

 tary legislation that very many actinomycotic carcasses are fit for food 

 purposes and should not be condemned. 



ACTINOBACILLOSIS. Actinobacillosis is probably to be distinguished 

 from actinomycosis. It is very similar in subjects affected, in history 

 and clinical evidence, but apparently different as to specific cause. The 

 cause of actinobacillosis seems to be a bacterium found also in rosette- 

 like masses resembling those of Actinomyces. 



MYCETOMA (MADURA FOOT).* 



This disease is endemic in India, especially Madura, and is found in 

 other warm countries. 



It is a chronic inflammatory process found most commonly in the foot, 

 occasionally in the hand but very rarely elsewhere. It is characterized 

 by swelling and irregular deformities of the part with the occurrence of 

 sinuses whence there is a purulent discharge containing granules suggest- 

 ing those of actinomycosis. These granules may be whitish, yellowish, 

 reddish, or black in color. 



The causative organism is generally regarded as a fungus. It is not 

 unlikely that some cases of the disease may be confused with actinomyco- 

 sis. Several different molds have been described, some of which have 

 been classed as Aspergilli, while others have been given new names. 

 It is probable that, while the disease is a fairly well-marked clinical entity, 

 the etiological agent varies in different localities. 



Successful inoculation of the monkey with the white variety and of 

 pigeons with the black variety has been recorded. 



* Prepared by Edward Fidlar. 



