THE GONOCOCCUS GROUP 



307 



Complement-fixation Reaction. Diagnosis of gonococcus infection 

 by the method of complement fixation has been shown to be of con- 

 siderable value, particularly in the more chronic cases, provided an 

 homologous strain of the organism is used for the antigen. A mixed 

 antigen composed of several strains is frequently employed in prac- 

 tice. 1 Much additional work is required, however, to determine the 

 limits of variability of the various strains of the organism before the 

 method is placed upon a thoroughly satisfactory basis for routine work. 



Shattuck and Whittemore 2 have prepared concentrated polyvalent 

 glycerin extracts and autolysates of gonococci to test the value of the 

 skin reactions in gonococcus infections. The tests were made intra- 

 dermally and by the von Pirquet method. Their results were 

 unsatisfactory diagnostically. 



FIG. 42. Micrococcus catarrhalis and staphylococcus. 



The medicolegal aspects of gonorrheal infections make it incumbent 

 upon the examiner to be very cautious in diagnosing the organism. 



Dissemination and Prophylaxis. The common towel has in the past 

 been responsible for many cases of gonorrheal ophthalmia, but laws 

 forbidding its use have largely removed this danger. It is certain 

 that ordinary care will prevent infection of the innocent with th* 1 

 organism. Ophthalmia neonatorum is prevented by the instillation 

 of silver salts in the manner indicated above. 



Micrococcus Catarrhalis. Historical. Micrococcus catarrhalis ap- 

 pears to have been described first by Seifert 3 and by Kirchner; 4 the 



1 Lespinasse and Wolff, Illinois Med. Jour., January, 1913. Torrey's ten strains 

 should be used in preparing the gonococcus antigen. 



2 Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., 1913, xlxix, 373. 



3 Volkmann's Sammlung klinischer Vortrage, No. 240. 



4 Zeit. f. Hyg., 1890, ix, 528. 



