256 



SPECIFIC MICRO-ORGANISMS 



variety. In general the examination includes a macroscopic 

 examination and description of the appearance of the sample, a 

 microscopical numerical count of the cells present, chemical 

 examination of the cell-free fluid for excessive protein 1 content, 

 microscopic and cultural examination of the sediment for bacteria 

 and of the filmy clot which may form after standing an hour or 



f 



* 



: 







FIG. 104. Meningococcus in spinal fluid. (After Hiss and Zitisser.) 



so for tubercle bacilli, and sometimes it includes the Wassermann 

 reaction. In meningococcus meningitis the cell count is generally 

 above 100 per cu. mm., and most of the cells are polynuclear 

 leukocytes. Within these cells the meningococci may or may not 

 be found. In case of doubt, plate cultures on blood-agar and 



1 Noguchi's test: To 0.5 c.c. of blood-free fluid add i c.c. iq per cent butyric 

 acid, boil; add 0.2 c.c. normal NaOH and boil again. Set aside to cool. A floc- 

 culent precipitate indicates an increase in the globulin content. 



