92 LOCALIZED INFECTIONS OF PUS NATURE 



the white cells of the blood or phagocytes. The opsonic 

 index is the relation of the ability of the patient's 

 white cells to ingest bacteria as compared with a 

 normal person's white cells. This latter is considered 1. 

 If a person is infected with the pus cocci it means 

 that his opsonic index is below 1, and we try to increase 

 it up to or beyond 1. Many different conditions have 

 been found amenable to this treatment, but furunculosis 

 has responded better than others. 



Streptococcus Pyogenes. The cocci which grow in 

 chains, streptococci, must now be considered. There 

 are many varieties, but the Streptococcus pyogenes 

 (the pus-producing streptococcus) is the only one 

 that need be considered. This organism gives rise 

 chiefly to the spreading inflammation, such as ery- 

 sipelas, cellulitis, and septicemia. It may cause a 

 localized abscess. It is a rapidly growing organism 

 when conditions are suitable, and is the commonest 

 cause of puerperal infection. It frequently attacks 

 the blood and causes a solution of the red cells. Strep- 

 tococcus peritonitis is usually fatal. It is commonly 

 present in the mouth, and may produce tonsillitis. 

 It is not so wide-spread in its distribution as the fore- 

 going coccus, but is greatly feared in surgical and 

 maternity wards. Streptococci are capable of pro- 

 ducing inflammation of many sorts and no tissue of 

 the body seems able to resist tl^em when of sufficient 

 virulence. They most commonly affect the tonsil, 

 heart lining, lung and subcutaneous tissue. Disinfec- 

 tion of materials from streptococcic infections should be 

 done by carbolic acid, bichloride, or hydrogen peroxide. 

 Great care is necessary in the handling of dressings, 



