BACTERIUM DIPHTHERIA 



109 



theria bacilli in the hair is of special danger, since they 

 remain active for a long time. To prevent the settling 

 of the bacilli in the hair it is advisable to wear a cap 

 that will completely cover the head. Thorough wash- 

 ing with soap and water, rinsing in hydrogen peroxide, 

 5 per cent., and drying in the sun are advisable when 



A. 



FIG. 32. Bacterium diphtherias: A, its morphology on glycerin- 

 agar-agar; B, its morphology on Loffler's blood serum; C, its mor- 

 phology on acid-blood serum mixture. (Abbott.) 



the nurse leaves the patient. The nurse should receive 

 immunizing doses of antitoxin. Since the bacilli 

 spread through the air, sheets wetted with disinfec- 

 tants should be hung about, particularly at doors. 



For diagnosis of diphtheria use is made of direct 

 examination of stained smears from the site of trouble, 



