514 Diseases of the Genital Organs 



to bar staphylococci. If the wound is already infected, the 

 surgeon uses the same means to remove or to destroy micro- 

 cocci and bacilli. In special cases the surgeon may fear 

 tetanus infection and take special measures against it, but 

 that he classifies separately as a specific infectious disease. 

 Each individual carries upon his body surface bacteria com- 

 mon to other individuals. A moderately extensive list can 

 be made of the most prevalent types competent to cause 

 wound infection. 



In every part of the genital tract microorganisms are com- 

 mon throughout the life of the individual. When estrum 

 occurs, the genital mucosa is engorged and its epithelium 

 weakened. If conception fails, menstruation follows, with 

 denudation of the placental areas and an outflow of blood. 

 The denuded areas furnish an avenue of invasion and the 

 blood clots supply nutritive material for the bacteria pres- 

 ent. Should conception occur, and the fertilized ovum de- 

 scend into the uterus, it encounters the microorganisms in- 

 festing the cavity. The embryo has acquired no power to 

 resist invasion, with the result that bacterial activity is ad- 

 vanced. Then follows a definite metritis. As soon as the 

 fetal organs have developed, the infection passes through 

 the chorion and amnion into the amniotic fluid and is swal- 

 lowed by the fetus. Accordingly the bacteriologic findings of 

 Hagan, Carpenter, and others working in, or in collabora- 

 tion with this department, show parallel infection in the 

 non-gravid uterus, in the utero-chorionic cavity of the preg- 

 nant uterus, and in the fetal alimentary tract, and later 

 when the calf is born the same bacteria are recoverable 

 from its stomach and intestines. There is then a continuity 

 of infection in the mother and the intra-uterine invasion of 

 the fetus. 



The results of the infection or infections upon the mother, 

 fetus, and new-born calf will logically vary with their vol- 

 ume and virulence. If very severe in the non-pregnant 

 uterus, conception fails. If the infection is milder and con- 

 ception occurs, metritis may follow and so irritate the 

 uterus that it contracts and expels its contents. If the in- 



