280 THE BACTERIOPHAGE 





To summarize: Observation and experiment agree in showing 

 that the bacteriophage is the direct agent of antibacterial immunity 

 in the sensitive animal. It dissolves the bacteria at the expense 

 of which it reproduces itself, and does this by means of lysins 

 which it secretes and which remain in the solution once the bac- 

 teria are destroyed. These lysins enjoy, furthermore, an extremely 

 high opsonic power, which may likewise contribute, in certain 

 cases, to the destruction of the pathogenic bacteria. 



The bacteriophage also contributes to the establishment of 

 organic immunity. The bacterial substance dissolved under 

 the action of the lysins is in a physical and chemical state such 

 that an extremely minute quantity suffices to provoke the forma- 

 tion of a potent organic immunity. 



this statement. I state precisely then, and I insist on this point, that 

 the treatment by the bacteriophage of any case of acute infection ought 

 to be undertaken at once, without the loss of a minute. Whatever may be 

 the disease it is useless and dangerous to await the results of laboratory 

 examinations destined to confirm the clinical diagnosis. This last ought 

 to be considered as sufficient to warrant the administration of the bacterio- 

 phage. Such practice does not incur any risk whatever, even though there 

 has been an error in the diagnosis, for the injection or the ingestion of 

 cultures of the bacteriophage is in all cases absolutely innocuous. I would 

 say further, even if the clinical diagnosis proves erroneous the adminis- 

 tration of a bacteriophage avirulent for the causative bacterium may be 

 useful. While in Indo-China, at three different times, I administered to 

 cholera patients, per os, two cubic centimeters of an anti-Shiga bacterio- 

 phage, and two of the three cases recovered. I do not affirm that this 

 fortunate result could be referred to the administration of the anti-Shiga 

 bacteriophage, although there is a strong presumption in favor of this 

 hypothesis. In fact, of the 113 cases of cholera which I observed during 

 my stay there, I did not see a single case recover spontaneously. In any 

 event, even if it be but a coincidence, it is possible to affirm that the admin- 

 istration of the bacteriophage caused no harm in the cholera cases. 



In so far as typhoid fever is concerned, for example, I would recommend 

 the removal of the blood necessary for culture at the entrance of the patient 

 into the hospital (or at the first visit of the physician treating the case) 

 and the immediate administration of a culture of bacteriophage. Either 

 two or five cubic centimeters may be given per os, or one cubic centimeter 

 may be injected subcutaneously. In this way a bacteriologic diagnosis 

 may be established without necessitating delay in treatment. In a word, 

 whatever may be the disease, the absolute principle ought to be "never 

 lose a minute." 



