190 INFECTIONS OF THE DIGESTIVE TRACT 



in which the opsonic index was low for these organisms, 

 the mixed fsecal flora regularly showed staphylococcal 

 forms in great abundance in the sedimentary fields 

 from the fermentation tubes. Such organisms, however, 

 have been detected hi great abundance in the flora from 

 some persons suffering from excessive intestinal putre- 

 faction in which acne was not a feature. The very free 

 growth of organisms of this type in bouillon inoculated 

 with the mixed flora has been observed especially in 

 the case of material derived from persons suffering from 

 disorders of digestion, but it is uncertain what signifi- 

 cance should be attached to these observations. 



The possibility of controlling streptococcal and staphy- 

 lococcal infections of the digestive tract by means of the 

 vaccination methods employed by Wright is worthy of 

 serious consideration. There are cases of advanced 

 anaemia in which it appears likely that streptococcus 

 infection is an important etiological factor, perhaps 

 through the agency of hsemolytic poisons and certainly 

 through the causation of exhausting diarrhoea. If in 

 such cases the streptococcal element in the infection 

 could be controlled, it seems clear that the outlook for 

 the patients would be improved. 



BACILLUS BIFIDUS 



It has already been mentioned that the intestinal tract 

 in childhood contains large numbers of the not extremely 

 anaerobic microorganism described under the name of B. 

 bifidm. Many if not all adolescents and adults harbor 

 B. bifidiis, although in smaller numbers than in early 



