SYMPTOMATIC ANTHRAX BACILLUS 1 95 



stains, but not by Gram's method. They may be seen in an 

 unstained condition in blood or other fluids. 



Habitat. This bacillus is found not only in the diseased tissues 

 and dead bodies of infected animals, but also in infected pas- 

 tures, soil, hay, etc. 



Temperature Requirements. It is best cultivated at body 

 temperature, but grows anywhere between i8C. and 37C. The 

 spores resist boiling for half an hour but the vegetative rod is 

 killed by iooC. 





FIG. 57. Rauschbrand bacillus showing flagella. (Kolle and Wassermann.) 



Cultures. It is, like tetanus and malignant oedema organisms, 

 a strict anaerobe. On gelatine it grows in roundish whitish colo- 

 nies in a delicate tangled mass, with projecting filaments. The 

 gelatine is liquefied, and bubbles of gas are formed in stab cultures. 

 A sour odor is emitted from cultures; i to 2 percent of sugar is 

 required for successful cultivation; or 5 percent of glycerine will 

 answer. On agar the growth is marked; gas is produced, and 

 acidous odors evolved. In bouillon it grows rapidly. Large 

 masses of the organism sink to the bottom, gas is formed, and the 

 medium is clouded. Milk affords a good medium for the growth 

 of the organism, but the casein is not coagulated. 



