178 BACTERIA 



toxin, which has a decided affinity for nervous tissue. The toxin 

 is absorbed from the intestinal tract unchanged by the gastric juice. 

 In this it differs from the toxin of diphtheria and tetanus. If the 

 toxin is mixed with the emulsified nerve tissue, it becomes neutra- 

 lized. In fatal cases of infection, the ganglionic nerve cells are de- 

 generated. Man is very susceptible, while cats and dogs are more 

 or less non-susceptible. If bacilli are inoculated into animals, they 



FIG. 61. Bacillus of botulism. (Kolle and Wassermann.) 



do not proliferate. Animals that recover are found to have devel- 

 oped strong anti-toxin in the blood serum. 



Immunity. An artificially prepared anti-toxin has been found 

 to be active, and is of use in treating cases of poisoning with meat. 



GASEOUS EDEMA BACILLUS. 



Bacillus Capsulatus Aerogenes. Welch. 



Morphology and Stains. A vigorous plump bacillus 3 to 4/4 in 

 length, resembling the anthrax bacillus, and is usually straight. 

 It forms spores, is non-motile, and flagella have not been found. 

 It occurs in pairs, and in chains. In old cultures involution forms 



