Effect of Hemorrhagic Shock on Viability of Invading Bacteria. ∗

Abstract

Summary and Conclusions

Gram-positive bacteria can be grown from the mesenteric nodes and liver of the normal rabbit and dog. Gram-negative bacteria can be grown from these tissues of the normal dog, but not of the normal rabbit. Gram-negative bacteria are found in the nodes and liver of the rabbit some hours after exposure of the rabbit to 2 hours of hemorrhagic shock. The incidence is higher 8 hours afterward than it is 4 hours afterward. These data confirm the view that bacteria are continuously invading from the intestine. Exposure for 2 hours to hemorrhagic shock so weakens the antibacterial defense that gram-negative as well as gram-positive bacteria can be grown out more readily than in the normal animal. However, the number of bacteria that can be recovered is judged too small to be a significant contribution to the endotoxemia of advanced hemorrhagic shock. Reasons are given for also excluding the bacteria normally found in the groin wound, made for cannulating the femoral vessels, from any significant role in the endotoxemia.