228 ESSENTIALS OF BACTERIOLOGY 



slime, consisting of filaments of this organism, are found in 

 springs and streams. (See Fig. 112.) 



Leptothrix Buccalis. In the mouth, long filaments or 

 threads resembling bacteria are commonly found. At one 

 end are seen numerous cocci-like bodies, which some regard 

 as spores. A variety of this, or a nearly allied organism, is 

 the most frequent cause of noma or gangrenous stomatitis. 



With iodin the leptothrix is colored yellow. At one time 

 it was considered the cause of " tartar " on the teeth, and often 

 it fills the crypts of the tonsils, forming there small masses 

 which are difficult to remove. Miller distinguishes three 

 varieties Leptothrix buccalis innominata, maxima, and 

 gigantea. 



Beggiatoa Alba (Vancher). The most common of this 

 species. The distinction betw r een this and the preceding 

 species lies in the presence of sulphur granules contained in the 

 structure, and hence they are often found where sulphur or 

 sulphids exist; but where the remains of organic life are de- 

 composing they can also be found. 



Several large spirilla and vibrios live in bog and rain-water, 

 but our space does not suffice to describe them. For the 

 Bacteriologic Examination of Water see p. 325. 



Streptothrix or Cladothrix Actinomyces (Ray-fungus). 

 Actinomycosis is a disease caused in man and cattle by 

 an organism which is commonly found in grain, particu- 

 larly barley. It is probable that several varieties of the 

 parasite can produce the characteristic lesions. It has been 

 discovered in all countries and in various organs of the body, 

 although its place of election is about the lower jaw, where it 

 tends to form hard, ulcerating abscesses, affecting other 

 organs secondarily. 



Form. In the granular masses of an abscess cylindric fila- 

 ments are matted together, and radiating outward from this 

 zone are club-shaped branches, as the petals of an aster. 

 (See Fig. 113.) In the center of the granule are numerous 

 cocci-like bodies, and some of the ovoid or club-shaped 

 hyphas lie detached from the clusters. Through cultivation 



