252 BACTERIOLOGY OF THE EYE 



course of the same epidemic Axenfeld 1 observed many cases of severe 

 conjunctival and corneal complications, many of which were strepto- 

 coccal diphtheria, with necrosis of the cornea. The comparative 

 frequency with which Streptococci were found in the conjunctiva at 

 the outset is closely related to the severity of the secondary results. 



Hertel observed severe corneal complications, due to Pneumococci, 

 after measles. 2 



The flora of the conjunctiva is a matter of some consequence. The 

 frequency of the influenza bacilli shows either that this organism, as do 

 other Bacteria, finds a specially good nidus during these exanthematous 

 processes, or that both infections tend to occur together. Measles 

 seems to have a special influence in preparing the way for the so-called 

 scrofulous eye affections (cf. p. 253). 



Similarly, in pemphigus affecting the conjunctiva nothing specific 

 has been found, only pyogenic cocci (Streptococci, Staphylococci ; cf. the 

 findings of Deutschmann and Uhthoff), and Bacillus xerosis. 



On the findings in eczema, see the next chapter. 



9. Spring Catarrh. 



Even in secreting cases of spring catarrh, no findings of any etiological 

 value have yet been made. I have paid special attention to this ques- 

 tion (cf. Axenfeld, ' Le Catarrhe printannier,' Eapp. Offic. de la Soc. 

 Franc. d'Oplitli., 1907, p. 28). Saemisch records the same opinion. 

 At most the well-known conjunctival saprophytes are found. The 

 alleged positive findings of Bellinzona must be added to these (Bollet. 

 della Soc. Med. Ckir. di Pavia, 1901, pp. 3 and 4) ; his statement that 

 he succeeded in producing the early stages of the affection in the con- 

 junctiva of the rabbit is certainly not convincing. The bacillus which 

 Taylor (Ann. di Ottal., 1891) found in a case, and which resembled the 

 Bacillus sitbtilis, represents an isolated casual finding. 



Parisotti (Soc. Franc. d'Oplith, 1901, p. 298) states that he has 

 demonstrated Blastomycetes in the sections of the limbal growths, 

 and quotes the record of Fortunati having grown two varieties of 

 Hefae from them (Arch, di Ottal., 1904, p. 81). The one he described 

 as causing the inflammation, the other as causing the anaemia. He 

 states that he has obtained limbus overgrowth by injecting the latter 

 subconjunctivally into rabbits, and that the hypertrophy recurred in 

 warm weather. The etiological significance of these results is not 

 at all proved, and it is still freely argued whether the affection is 



K. M.f. A., 1904, xvii. 576. a A.f. 0., 1902, liii. 503. 



