58 



BACILLUS RAMOSUS. 



ROOT OR WURZEL BACILLUS. 



Origin. Very common in earth ; occurs also in river 

 and spring water. 



Form. Rather large rod?, thicker than the Hay 

 bacillus; with slightly rounded ends. Threads common. 



Motility. Slowly motile. 

 Sporulation. Large median spores occur. 

 Anilin Dyes. Stains well. 

 Growth. Rapid. 



Gelatin Plates. The colonies present a characteristic appearance, resem- 

 bling somewhat fine branching rootlets, hence the name. At first the colo- 

 nies are round, dark and with bristly borders. Subsequently the colonies 

 branch and ramify throughout the gelatin which is liquefied. 



Stick Cultures. Are also characteristic. Growth develops along the line 

 of inoculation and from this threads penetrate or radiate into the surround- 

 ing gelatin. The growth is more rapid at the top than in the lower parts of 

 the tube so that the appearance of an "inverted pine tree" results. Later 

 the gelatin is liquefied completely. The bacterial growth accumulates on the 

 bottom while the Ijquid above becomes clear and has a thin scum on the 

 surface. 



Streak Cultures. On agar, forms a grayish growth, spreading outward 

 from the streak so that the appearance often is not unlike thatof a centipede. 

 On potatoes, a slimy, whitish growth which develop spores. 



Oxygen requirements. Is aerobic. 



Temperature. Grows at ordinary temperature and 

 also in incubator. 



Behavior to Gelatin. Liquefies. 



Pathogenesis. Without effect, even in very large 

 doses. 



