BACILLUS TETANI 113 



300 to 1000 units are used. In both cases a repetition 

 of the dose is frequently demanded, and in case the 

 exudate does not fade, the injections may have to 

 be given several times. The effect is a passive acquired 

 immunity, as it is the addition of a toxin-neutralizing 

 substance to aid tissues, for which they themselves 

 have not worked. The visible effects of antitoxin 

 administrations are a rather rapid disappearance of 

 the false membrane, a fall of temperature, and a 

 lessening of constitutional prostration. 



For the best results in the treatment of diphtheria, 

 antitoxin should be used early. Each hour of delay 

 in using it after the diagnosis has been made reduces 

 the good chances of the patient. For large cities the 

 decrease in mortality has been 50 per cent., and in 

 the favorable cases, even 75 per cent. 



Pseudodiphtheria Bacilli. There is a group of organ- 

 isms called pseudodiphtheria bacilli, because of their 

 resemblance in morphology and growth to the true 

 disease-producing type. They are sometimes found 

 in jaw abscesses or otitis media. They do not produce 

 the typical diphtheritic sore throat. The presence of 

 such forms in the throat often leads to erroneous 

 diagnoses, and lengthens quarantine. Quarantine is 

 demanded by health authorities until the throat is 

 shown to be clear of diphtheria bacilli. 



BACILLUS TETANI. 



Tetanus or lockjaw is a disease characterized by 

 tonic and clonic spasms of the muscles due to the effect 

 of the soluble poisons of the Bacillus tetani or tetanus 



