334 



DIPHTHERIA. 



death, similar to what occurs in the case of other organisms, 

 e.g., the bacillus coli communis. With these exceptions, 

 however, it may be stated that the bacillus of diphtheria 

 occurs only locally in the false membrane and in the fluids 



FIG. 82. Section through a diphtheritic membrane in trachea, show- 

 ing diphtheria bacilli (stained darkly) in clumps, and also scattered 

 amongst the fibrin. Some streptococci are also shown, towards the 

 surface on the left side. 



Stained by Gram's method and Bismarck-brown. x 1000. 



of the mouth, and does not invade even the subjacent 

 tissues to any extent. 



Association with other Organisms. The diphtheria 

 organism is sometimes present alone in the membrane, 

 but more frequently associated with some of the pyogenic 

 organisms, the streptococcus pyogenes being the organism 

 most commonly present along with it. The staphylococci, 



