192 PATHOGENIC BACTERIA 



The poisons of the pyocyaneus bacillus are twofold- 

 one an endotoxin, the other a soluble separable toxin. 

 These substances, more especially the latter, have the 

 power of destroying some other bacteria. The broth 

 culture, freed of bacteria and reduced to one-tenth 

 its volume, then called pyocyanase, is used sometimes 

 to rid the throat of persistent diphtheria bacilli. 

 The toxins are more poisonous to animals than are 

 the living cultures. Most small laboratory animals 



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FIG. 53. Bacillus pyocyaneus. (From Kolle and Wassermann.) 



are susceptible to injections of the living pyocyaneus 

 bacillus. The bacilli may multiply within the body 

 and enter the blood stream. It is maintained that 

 some part of the toxin has the power to destroy red 

 blood cells. 



The pyocyaneus bacillus may, by its presence on 

 wounds, delay their healing. It is commonest perhaps 

 in boils in the axilla and groin. It has been found 

 in otitis media and in gastro-enteritis of debilitated 



