ABSTRACTS OF AMERICAN BACTERIOLOGICAL 

 LITERATURE 



BACTERIOLOGY OF FOOD 



Feeding Experiments with Bacterium Pullorum. The Toxicity of In- 

 fected Eggs. Leo F. Rettger, T. G. Hull and W. S. Sturges. 

 Jour. Exp. Med., 1916, 23, 475^89. 



This investigation is divided into two phases: first, a study of the 

 toxicity or disease-producing properties of Bacterium pullorum when 

 administered orally; and, second, an investigation of the heat toler- 

 ance of this organism in infected eggs when prepared for the table 

 by the usual processes of cooking. It was found that eggs which har- 

 bor Bacterium pullorum in the yolk in large numbers may produce 

 abnormal conditions, when fed, not only in young chicks, but in adult 

 fowls, young rabbits, guinea pigs and kittens. Many market eggs 

 are infected with this organism and since such methods of cooking as 

 soft boiling, coddling and frying on one side only do not render the yolks 

 free from viable bacteria, the feeding of eggs thus prepared may be 

 the cause of serious disturbances in persons who are particularly sus- 

 ceptible to such influences, and especially in infants.. Inasmuch as 

 the wide distribution of ovarian infection in the domestic fowl has 

 come about only in the last few years, its possible danger to man is 

 one of recent development. — B. W. 



BACTERIOLOGY OF THE MOUTH 



Observations upon the Endamoebae of the mouth; I. Endamoeba gingivalis 

 (buccalis). C. F. Craig. Jour. Infect. Diseases, 1916, 18, 220-237. 

 A general discussion of this protozoan, its historical significance, 

 geographical distribution, morphological features, relation to Enda- 

 moeba hystolytica, and its pathogenic role. The author concludes that 

 "it is more than doubtful that Endamoeba gingivalis is the cause of 

 pyorrhea alveolaris and that it is yet too early to make positive state- 

 ments regarding the relation of this parasite to disease." — P. B. H. 



Pyorrhea Alveolaris and Some Modern Discoveries Regarding Its Causes 

 and Treatment. F. E. Stewart. New York State Jour. Med., 

 1916, 16, 71-79. . . , ,. 



In a comprehensive discussion of pyorrhea alveolaris or Rigg s dis- 

 ease, the author calls attention to the prevalence of the condition, and 

 its importance as an etiological factor in many systemic diseases. 

 Microorganisms, either of virulent types or those ordinarily saprophytic 

 in the mouth, may invade the living tissues and cause the infection. 



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