GONOCOCCUS. MENINGOCOCCUS 177 



verdict until we have tested the micro-organism as above. 

 When the germ is found which answers to the above descrip- 

 tion, the process can be called gonorrhea without a doubt. 



Diplococcus Intracellularis Meningitidis (Weichsel- 

 baum) . Synonyms. Meningococcus; Micrococcus Meningi- 

 tidis. 



Origin. Found by Weichselbaum in epidemic cerebrospinal 

 meningitis in 1887. 



Fig. 87. Diplococcus intracellularis meningitidis in leukocytes. 

 Cover-glass preparation from peritoneal exudate in a guinea-pig (X2ooo) 

 (Wright and Brown). 



Form. A small coccus occurring in pairs, flattened against 

 each other, and contained within the leukocytes, resembling 

 gonococcus. No capsule (Fig. 87). 



Properties. Ferments sugars, with acid production. 



Growth. Best on blood-agar, serum-agar, and ascitic glu- 

 cose-agar at body temperature; good growth in twenty-four 

 hours. Sheep serum better medium. 



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