MICBOCOCCI PATHOGENIC IN MAN. 195 



infection running a rapid course. Further, after injection 

 of erysipelas cultivations Loeffler obtained joint affections 

 in two cases, but the author was unable to confirm this 

 result in a larger number of experiments. 



Heubner and Bahrdt have recently found similar 

 streptococci in the pus in a fatal case of scarlatina, accom- 

 panied by suppuration of joints. They were able to show 

 that the cocci entered the jugular vein through a purulent 

 canal extending from the original diphtheritic affection 

 of the tonsil, and then, just as in Loeffler's experiments, 

 set up the suppurative inflammations of the joints.* 



Streptococcus septicus, 



Although this organism has not as yet been observed 

 in man it may be mentioned here, because in its whole 

 behaviour it shows a great resemblance with the other 

 streptococci. Strept. sept, was repeatedly found by 

 Nicolaier, and afterwards by Guarneri, in impure earth. f 

 It cannot be distinguished microscopically from the other 

 streptococci, but it has not such a marked tendency to 

 form chains under all circumstances ; it occurs especially 

 in the tissues, and usually in the form of diplococcL 

 Where, however, masses are present, which are com- 

 posed of larger balls of the organisms, the chain-like 

 arrangement becomes distinctly marked, especially at 

 the borders, and it is also well developed in cultivations 

 in hanging drops, on plates, &c. The colonies on gela- 

 tine grow even more slowly than those of the other 

 streptococci not till after 3 or 4 days do they become 

 evident as fine points; in puncture cultivations also 

 distinct colonies are first seen on the 5th or 6th day. 

 Mice die without exception in 48 72 hours after sub- 

 cutaneous inoculation of minimal quantities of a cultiva- 

 tion. During the last 24 hours a distinct motor and 

 sensory paralysis of the hinder extremities is present. 

 On post-mortem examination large numbers of diplo- 

 cocci are found in the blood and organs, at times in large 

 masses, which completely fill the vessels. Inoculations 



* Berl Tclin. Woch., 1884, No. 44. 

 f Gottinger hygien. Institut. 



