Serological Types of B. tetani m Wounds of Men. 5^9 



The figure is by Mr. W. Pilgrim, the laboratory draughtsman. We wish 

 to express our great indebtedness to Dr. H. Henry, Dr. J. Mcintosh, 

 Dr. E. A. O'Brien, Miss Muriel Eobertson, and Captain W. J. Tulloch, 

 R.A.M.C., for their readiness in assisting our investigations by supplying us 

 with information and material. 



The Distribution of the Serological Types of B. tetani in Woimds 

 of Men u'ho received Prophylactic Inoculation, and a Study 

 of the Mechanism of Infectio7i in, and Immunity from, 

 Tetanus. 



By Major W. J. Tulloch, M.D., RA.M.C, Lecturer in Bacteriology, Univer- 

 sity of St. Andrews, Member of the War Office Committee for the Study 

 of Tetanus. 



(Communicated by Major-General Sir David Bruce, F.R.S. Eeceived 

 January 30, 1919.) 



(From the Laboiatones of the Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine and the 

 Royal Army Medical College.) 



Introduction. 



The bacteriological investigation of tetanus, the results of which are sum- 

 marised in the present communication, was undertaken on behalf of the War 

 Office Committee for the Study of Tetanus. 



Before the bacteriological examination of a relatively large number of 

 cases of tetanus could be effected, it was found necessary to elaborate a 

 suitable technique,* as the existing methods for the cultivation of B. tetani 

 proved to be wholly inadequate. 



Apart from its practical application, this preliminary work was of great 

 value, in that it called attention to the important factor of symbiosis in the 

 growth of anaerobic bacteria. The cycle in the development of anaerobic 

 bacteria in cultures of the mixed flora of wound exudates is remarkably 

 constant, and it is not improbable that a similar sequence occurs in the 

 wounds themselves. The first organisms to appear are rapidly growing 

 bacilli typified by B. Welchii, followed by the proteolytic group of anaerobes 

 of the B. sporogenes Types. On the decline of the proteolytic group, B. tetani 

 and other similar organisms appear, which may ultimately predominate in 

 the cultures. 



* See p. 539. 



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