134 THE ACUTE SELF-LIMITED INFECTIONS 



The disease is mild, producing only a little local pain, 

 slight fever, and malaise. The disease may coexist 

 with diphtheria, aggravating the latter. The bacteria 

 gain admission by direct transfer from a patient to 

 the unaffected throat. The condition is not very 

 contagious. Disinfection should be observed by 

 frequent cleansing of throat and mouth by mild anti- 



FIG. 39 



Vincent's bacillus with accompanying spirochsetse. (Park. 



septics. Rinse water and cloths used to wipe the 

 mouth may be rendered innocuous by any practical 

 disinfectant working for half an hour. Little is known 

 of the method of action of the bacteria. They probably 

 produce the condition by soluble poisons. In diag- 

 nosticating Vincent's angina a smear from the false 

 membrane stained with particular care will show 

 long fusiform rods with sharp ends taking the dye 



