268 THE PYOGENIC COCCI 



The morphology and cultural reactions outlined above suffice to estab- 

 lish a diagnosis. The absence of hemolysis or of green discoloration 

 of the hemoglobin separates the streptococcus and pneumococcus 

 from Micrococcus ovalis. 



3. Serological. Not practicable. 



Dissemination and Prophylaxis. Micrococcus ovalis does not cause 

 progressive disease from man to man; it is an intestinal parasite 

 habitually and only occasionally becomes invasive. No precautions 

 other than the careful sterilization of dejecta are necessary. The 

 hands of attendants should be kept surgically clean when caring for 

 intestinal disturbances incited by Micrococcus ovalis, or, indeed, by 

 any microorganism. 



