84 LOCALIZED INFECTIONS OF PUS NATURE 



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. It is 

 not so widespread in its distribution as the foregoing 

 coccus, but is greatly feared in surgical wards. Strepto- 

 coccus peritonitis is usually fatal. It is commonly 

 present in the mouth, and may produce tonsillitis. 

 Disinfection of materials from streptococcic infections 

 should be done by carbolic, bichloride, or hydrogen 

 peroxide. Great care is necessary in the handling of 

 dressings, clothing, and utensils from patients with 

 streptococcus infections, because, despite the low 

 resistance of the organism, transmissions take place 

 quite easily. When the particular family of germs 

 happens to be very virulent, a single coccus may 

 transmit an infection. 



FIG. 26 

 if" ,- r ..-"x 



Streptococcus pyogenes. (Abbott.) 



In diagnosticating streptococcic infections it is 

 necessary to make smears on glass slides and cultures 

 in appropriate media. The germs are found to be very 

 small single cocci varying from -simFiF to 2TT07 of an 

 inch, dividing only in one plane and therefore growing 

 in chains. They are unable to move of themselves, 



