206 URINARY SEDIMENTS. 



the outside, as, for example, by means of an unclean cath- 

 eter. Urine containing bacteria is cloudy and is not cleared 

 by filtration. 



The non-pathogenic organisms are found in putrefy- 

 ing or decomposing urine. This is usually not acid and 

 often is strongly ammoniacal. They may be found thus 

 in the urine of cystitis where ammoniacal fermentation is 

 excessive. Some of these are of large size and can be ob- 

 served with a Y 5 -inch objective without staining. (Plate 

 II, 8.) The pathogenic organisms are such as the pus- 

 organisms, the diplococcus of gonorrhoea, and also the 

 bacillus of tuberculosis and the organisms of infectious 

 diseases. They can be examined and isolated by the com- 

 mon bacteriological methods. 



SPERMATOZOA. 



These may be found in the urine of males after coitus 

 or pollution. They may be present in some diseases, like 

 typhoid, and are constantly found in spermatorrhoea. By 

 straining during defecation there may be a slight emis- 

 sion of semen, and consequently the spermatozoa be mixed 

 with the urine. They are readily recognized by their 

 characteristic shape under the microscope, a flattened oval 

 head united with a long thread-like body and tail. (Plate 

 III, 18, c.) They are most abundant in the first and last 

 portions of the urine. 



In freshly voided urine they may have some motion, 

 but this soon ceases. Acids and alkalies, as well as pure 

 water, stop it immediately. Spermatozoa resist putrefac- 

 tion and the action of chemical reagents, even that of 

 strong acids or alkalies. 



