Bacillus Acidophilus 



425 



one year after treatment and almost without exception all have 

 had more normal defecations after, than before, treatment. 



3. The use of lactose during and after ingestion of B. 

 acidophilus does much to enhance the beneficial effects. 



4. A transformation of the intestinal flora from a proteolytic 

 to an aciduric type as shown by microscopic and plate counts may 

 generally be induced. Such transformation is usually accom- 

 panied by almost daily defecations regardless of the severity 

 of the constipation. 



5. Two cases of diarrhea have been successfully treated by 

 the ingestion of B. acidophilus. 



210 (2170) 



Studies on the nature cf bacillus acidophilus therapy. 

 By NICHOLAS KOPELOFF and PHILIP BEERMAN. 



[From the Department of Bacteriology, N. Y. State Psychiatric 

 Institute, Ward's Island, New York City.] 



1. In order to study the influence of physical and chemical 

 factors, B. acidophilus milk was centrifuged and run through a 

 Mandler diatomaceous filter. Thus the chemical constituents 

 were little altered. When fed to constipated patients it was 

 practically without effect. Regular B. acidophilus milk ingested 

 subsequently resulted in an increase in the number of normal 

 defecations. 



2. B. acidophilus milk was sterilized and lactic acid added, 

 thus again approximating the original chemical composition. 

 When fed to constipated patients, little change was noted. Regu- 

 lar B. acidophilus milk ingested subsequently resulted in an in- 

 crease in the number of normal defecations. 



3. These data indicate that B. acidophilus therapy is essen- 

 tially bacteriological rather than physical or chemical in nature. 



