300 THE PYOGENIC COCCI 
2. Cultural.— Yarious dilutions of feces or products of inflammation 
are plated either on glucose agar or "streaked out" on blood-agar. 
The morphology and cultural reactions outlined above suffice to 
establish a diagnosis. The absence of hemolysis or of green discolora- 
tion of the hemoglobin separates the streptococcus and pneumococcus 
from Micrococcus ovalis. 
8. Serological.— l^ot practicable. 
Dissemination and Prophylaxis.— Micrococcus ovalis does not cause 
progressive disease from man to man; it is an intestinal parasite 
habitually and only occasionally becomes invasive. No precautions 
other than the careful sterilization of dejecta are necessary. The 
hands of attendants should be kept surgically clean when caring for 
intestinal disturbances incited by Micrococcus ovalis, or, indeed, by 
any microorganism. 
