208 BACILLUS TUBERCULOSIS. 



Bacillus Smegmatis. 



This bacillus is often mistaken for Bacillus tuberculosis. 

 It is found beneath the prepuce of man, and between the 

 labia and under the fourchette of woman. In appearance it 

 resembles the tubercle bacillus (Fig. 83), stains like it, and 

 resists the mineral acids, but is decolorized by absolute alcohol. 

 It is non-pathogenic, but is of great importance in diseases 

 of the genito-urinary organs, when it must be differentiated 

 from the tubercle bacillus. Animal inoculation will offer 

 conclusive evidence as to its identity. 



