182 PATHOGENIC BACTERIA 



of bacilli up the common bile duct, or as a part of colon 

 bacillus septicemia. The peritonitis seen after per- 

 foration of the intestines is the result of many kincL 

 of bacteria of which the colon bacillus may be the 

 most numerous. It is probable that this organism 

 alont is able to inflame the peritoneum, as it cer- 

 tainly can produce localized and diffuse pus collections. 

 The colon bacillus is frequently the only organism 

 found in acute appendicitis. It has been found as an 

 important factor if not the sole cause in pneumonia 

 and pleurisy. It has been found to cause meningitis 

 and endocarditis. 



No antiserum of practical value has been produced 

 by the injection of these organisms into the lower 

 animals. On the other hand, some success has been 

 attained in establishing active immunity both as a 

 preventive and as a remedial agency by injecting 

 increasing quantities of dead bacteria. 



Diagnosis. Colon infections are diagnosticated 

 chiefly by finding the organism. They are present in 

 the fibrinous exudate or pus, and in the blood in septi- 

 cemia. We grow some of this in ordinary nutrient 

 broth or jelly, and isolate in pure culture. Colon 

 bacilli are, of course, easily obtained from the stools. 

 The agglutination or clumping test can also be used 

 in colon bacillus infections, since agglutinins are formed 

 during an attack. Pus or other bacteria-containing 

 substance should be disinfected by mixing with 5 per 

 cent, carbolic acid and allowing it to act for at least 

 one-half hour. 



Paracolon Bacilli. These organisms resemble the 

 Bacillus coll communis so closely that only the dif- 



