PATHOGENIC BACTERIA 173 



Several toxic products have been obtained from the cultures, 

 and they are produced in the body, and give rise to the morbid 

 symptoms. These have been isolated, and when injected singly, 

 cause some of the tetanic symptoms. The virus enters the 

 circulation, but does not remain in the tissues. The spores are 

 very resistant to heat, drying, and chemicals. 



The blood and the urine contain the toxin and are fatal to 

 animals. 



The toxin is most virulent. It acts on the end-plates of the 

 muscles, and then on the motor nerve-cells. The incubation 

 period is from two to fourteen days after receipt of injury. 



Immunity. Kitasato, by inoculation of sterilized cultures, 

 has caused immunity to the effects of virulent bacilli. 



An antitoxin obtained by Tizzoni and Cattani from the 

 serum of animals made immune by sterilized cultures is 

 used with curative effects in cases of tetanus in man. It is 

 a globulin, but differs from the anthrax antitoxin, and it is 

 found exclusively in the serum. By precipitation with alcohol 

 and drying in vacuo the antitoxin is obtained in a solid state. 

 The aqueous solution is used for injection subcutaneously or 

 subdurally through a trephine opening. Its injection into the 

 spinal canal by lumbar puncture has also been recommended. 

 Antitoxin is more beneficial in chronic cases than in acute. 



The dried antitoxin has been spread on the wound with 

 some curative action. 



The antitetanic serum, to be effective, must be given very 

 early and in large doses. Its greatest use is in preventing 

 tetanus in wounds liable to be infected. From 50 c.c. to 100 c.c. 

 of a billion-unit serum should be given in divided doses; only 

 serums with very high protective powers should be used. 



Habitat. The bacillus is present in garden-earth, in manure, 

 and it has been isolated even from mortar. 



The earth of special districts seems to contain the bacilli in 

 greater quantities. 



Spores of tetanus may gain access to animal serums, and 

 if not properly destroyed, may produce tetanus during the use 

 of these products. Great care and previous testing should 



