COCCACE^ AND THEIR PARASITIC RELATIONSHIPS ■ 265 



filmy clot which may form after standing an hour or so for tubercle 

 bacilli, and sometimes it includes the Wassermann reaction. 

 In meningococcus meningitis the cell count is generally above 

 100 per cu. mm., and most of the cells are polynuclear leukocytes. 

 Within these cells the meningococci may or may not be found. In 

 case of doubt, plate cultures on blood-agar and ascitic-fluid agar 

 should be made. The recognition of a Gram-negative intracellular 



Fig. 107. — Meningococcus in spinal fluid. {After Hiss and Zinsser.) 



diplococcus in the fluid is sufficient for a tentative diagnosis, and 

 the appearance of characteristic colonies on the plates may be- 

 considered conclusive. 



Diplococcus (Micrococcus) Catarrhalis. — This organism is 

 commonly present on the mucous membrane of the upper air 

 passages, especially in catarrhal inflammations. It is usually 

 seen as a Gram-negative intracellular diplococcus not to be 



