284 Microbes and You 



crippled for life because of tuberculosis of the bones contracted 

 from drinking raw milk. Suppose this cripple were you, or your 

 brother, or your sister! 



STAPHYLOCOCCUS FOOD POISONING 



The human skin harbors large numbers of staphylococci (micro- 

 cocci) as part of the normal microbial flora. As long as these 

 organisms remain on the outside of the unbroken skin, they do no 

 harm to the host. But as soon as a break appears in the skin— 

 whether it be a pin-prick size or larger— these staphylococci are 

 ready, willing, and able to establish themselves in the opening 

 where the food supply and the general living conditions are agree- 

 able to the invaders. When the internal defense mechanisms of 

 the host are unable to cope with the microorganisms, an infection 

 becomes established at the site. Pus cells (leucocytes) are rushed 

 to the area by the body, and these white blood cells attempt to 

 engulf and destroy the microbes in a process called phagocytosis. 

 When this condition occurs, a pimple, boil, or carbuncle is formed. 



Under normal conditions the invading cocci remain localized 

 and do not spread through the blood stream causing blood poison- 

 ing. At times, however, when individuals break down nature's 

 protective barrier by tampering with the infection, a generalized 

 bacteremia occurs and prompt medical attention is needed to 

 prevent progressive blood poisoning and death. Some pathologists 

 believe that skin infections above the line of the nose should not 

 be squeezed or irritated by non-medical persons. The combination 

 of a rich blood supply and the proximity to the brain may set up 

 conditions favorable for the development of a brain infection. 

 However, any skin infection which "gets loose" can find its way 

 into the circulation and may be carried to the brain as well as to 

 other organs of the body. 



Since human skin is such a good source of staphylococci, it 

 should not be too surprising to learn that food poisoning caused 

 by these organisms is so prevalent. When grown in a favorable 

 medium, staphylococci can generate a powerful toxin which has a 

 strong effect on the gastro-intestinal tract. Not all strains of 



