PATHOGENIC BACTERIA. 33I 



to increase thread formation. The toxin-producing power and 

 virulence of the tetanus bacillus is not permanently effected by 

 contact for a long period with eosin, and cultivation in media 

 containing eosin does not effect these properties permanently. 

 Eosin prevents the germination of spores in the animal body, 

 and it causes the bacilli to degenerate and disappear when in- 

 jected repeatedly at the seat of the tetanus inoculation. Un- 

 germinated tetanus spores remain alive at the point of in- 

 jection in eosin-treated animals, and may germinate when in- 



Fi-. 80. — Anthrax bacilli, from a pure culture.* (X 1000.) 



troduced into a different location in the same animal and 

 cause tetanus. 



Antitoxin for tetanus has been prepared according to the 

 principles employed for antitoxins in general. It has not 

 proved very markedly successful as a curative agent;- but as a 

 prophylaxis, where all patients are treated who have deep, dirty 

 wounds, and in a similar way in veterinary practice, it has un- 

 doubtedly proved of value. Unfortunately the disease is 

 seldom suspected until a relatively large amount of toxin has 



* The culture was derived from a case of malignant pustule in a tanner. 

 The lesion was excised promptly, and the patient recovered. 



