52 BACTERIOLOGY 



very early indeed, as the fatal dose of the toxin is so 

 infinitesimal. Its greatest value is as a prophylactic 

 measure in cases of suspected infection. If given at the 

 time of infection it is an absolute preventive. 



Preventive measures include the exposure to air of 

 all punctured wounds, opening them to admit air to all 

 parts, and the immediate injection of antitoxin in all 

 cases of suspected infection, as blank-cartridge wounds, 

 nail wounds, and all punctured wounds caused by blunt 

 instruments that are contaminated with soil or manure. 



Bacillus of Influenza (Bacillus of Pfeiffer). A non- 

 spore-forming, non-motile aerobic bacterium found in 

 the sputum, bronchial and nasal secretions of those 

 suffering from the disease. It has never been discovered 

 outside the body, and probably is always transmitted 

 from patient to patient. It produces catarrhal inflam- 

 mation of the respiratory mucous membranes with con- 

 stitutional symptoms of fever, depression, exhaustion, 

 etc., indicating the presence of a toxin, though it has 

 not yet been demonstrated. 



Bacillus Anthracis. A non-motile, aerobic, spore-form- 

 ing bacterium. Its spores are the most resistant of any 

 known germ, having been known to withstand boiling 

 for half an hour, 5 per cent, carbolic acid solution for 

 forty days, and i : 1000 bichlorid solution for three days. 

 Because of this great resistance it is used as a standard 

 for determining the potency of various germicides and 

 antiseptics. 



