BACTERIA IN PNEUMONIA 157 



lieved it to be the real cause of pneumonia. It is the generally 

 accepted organism of the disease, and can be isolated from 

 nearly all cases of acute croupous pneumonia. It is found in 

 about three-quarters of all cases of pneumonia. 



Diplococcus Pneumonias (Frankel and Weichselbaum, 

 1 886) . Synonyms. Streptococcus Lanceolatus; Pneumococcus; 

 Diplococcus Lanceolatus; M. of Sputum Septicemia; Fr anker s 

 Pneumococcus. 



Origin. Found it in the sputum of pneumonic patients. 

 It has been found in many other serous inflammations, and 

 also in the mouths of healthy persons. 



Fig. 72. Diplococcus of pneumonia in blood of rabbit (Xiooo) 

 (Frankel and Pfeiffer). 



Form. Large, lancet-shaped cocci. Usually found in 

 pairs, sometimes in filaments of three and four elements. In 

 the material from the body a capsule surrounds each coccus. 

 In the artificial cultures this is not found (Figs. 71 and 72). 



Properties. Variable in form, approaching the bacillary 

 type. Do not liquefy gelatin. There are no spores. Non- 

 motile. 



Growth. Best between 27 C. and 41 C., seldom below 

 25 C. Facultative anaerobic. The culture-media must be 

 slightly alkaline; the growth is slow. 



