THE COLON-TYPHOID GROUP 147 



In the summer diarrhea of infants associated with mucus, 

 B. dysenteric has been found, and is considered a causative 

 agent. 



Bacterium Termo (Cohn). This was a name given to a 

 form of microorganism found in decomposing albuminous 

 material, and was supposed to be one specific germ. Hauser, 

 in 1885, found three different distinct bacilli which he grouped 

 under the common name of proteus, which have the putrefy- 

 ing properties ascribed to Bacillus termo. 



Bacillus Proteus Vulgaris (Hauser, 1885). Origin. 

 In putrid animal matter, in the feces, and in water. 



Form. Small rods, slightly curved, of varying lengths, 

 often in twisted chains, having long cilia or flagella. 



Properties. Very motile, and very soon liquefying gelatin; 

 forms hydrogen sulphid gas ; causes putrefaction in meat. 



Growth. Growth very rapid, best at 24 C.; is facultative 

 aerobic. 



Gelatin Plates. Yellowish-brown, irregular colonies, with 

 prolongations in every direction, forming all sorts of figures; 

 an impression preparation shows these spider-leg processes to 

 consist of bacilli in regular order. 



Stab-culture. The gelatin soon liquid, a gray layer on the 

 surface, but the chief part of the culture in small crumbs at 

 the bottom. 



A gar. Rapid, moist, gray growth. 



Milk. Acid coagulation. 



Dextrose Broth. -Gas-production. 



Pathogenesis. Rabbits and guinea-pigs injected subcutane- 

 ously die quickly; a form of toxemia, hemorrhagic condition 

 of lungs and intestines, present. When neurin is injected 

 previously, the animals do not die. This ptomain is sup- 

 posed to be generated by the Proteus vulgaris. 



In man these or similar bacteria have been associated with 

 food-poisoning epidemics, infantile diarrhea, infectious jaun- 

 dice (Weil's disease). 



Proteus Mirabilis (Hauser). Differs from Proteus vul- 



