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PATHOGENIC BACTERIA. 145 



Gram's method is not applicable, this being one of its main 

 diagnostic features. 



The following method is recommended by Neisser. 



The cover-glasses, with some of the urethra! discharge smeared 

 upon them, are covered with a few drops of alcoholic solution of 

 eosin and heated for a few minutes over the flame. The excess 

 of the dye is removed with filter paper, then the cover-glass 

 placed in concentrated methylin blue (alcoholic solution) for 15 

 seconds, and rinsed in water. 



The gonococci are dark blue, the protoplasm of the cell pink, 

 and the nucleus a light blue, the gonococci lying in the proto- 

 plasm next to the nucleus. 



Other bacteria are similar to the gonococci in form ; they are 

 distinguished from the gonococcus, in that they are colored with 

 Gram's method, whereas the micrococcus of gonorrhoea is not. 

 The points on which the diagnosis is to be made are the char- 

 acteristic biscuit shape, the intracellular position of the organ- 

 ism, and its failure to stain with Gram. 



Pathogenesis. The attempts to infect the experiment ani- 

 mals with gonorrhoea have so far been without success. In man, 

 upon a healthy urethra, a specific urethritis was produced with 

 even the 20th generation of the culture. Gonorrhoeal ophthalmia 

 contains the cocci in great numbers, and endocarditis and gon- 

 orrhreal rheumatism are said to be caused by the cocci. 



The microbes have been found long after the acute attack, 

 when only a very slight oozing remained, and the same were 

 very virulent. 



The specific inflammations of the generative organs of the 

 female are due to this microbe, having gained entrance through 

 the vagina, extending its influence. It is found chiefly in the 

 superficial layers of the mucous membrane. 



A temperature of 40 C. for 12 hours destroys the gonococci. 



Gonotoxin.A toxin has been isolated which causes fever, loss 

 of weight, and finally death. The urethra is not immunized by 

 repeated injections. In man the toxin causes painful indura- 

 tions lasting several days. 



Similar Microbes found in the Urethra and Vagina. 



Micrococcus Citreus Conglomerata. (Bumm.) Similar to 



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