Notes on Councilmania lafleuri (Kofoid-Swezy 1921).

Abstract

Conclusion

It is suggested that there are at least two types of E. coli; one-of which a perfect description is given by Kofoid under the name of Councilmania-characterized by possessing clear blade-like pseudopodia, well differentiated from the endoplasm, occasionally of exceptional motility, which may be retained even after prolonged centrifugation in cold tap water in the process of concentration. This type seems to have a tendency to the formation of irregularly contoured, thick-walled cysts. Such cysts as these are easily fractured by immersion in a hot mercurial solution such as Schaudinn.

The other type is more sluggish, and has not the clear blade-like pseudopodia in the free state. By concentrating a sufficient number of the cysts of this type and subsequently fixing in hot Schaudinn, some at least of the cysts will probably give the appearances to which Kofoid and Swezy have applied the name Councilmania. Whilst Kofoid's Councilmania would seem to refer to the first type mentioned, if my reasoning be correct, there is either no such species as Councilmania or there is no such organism as E. coli. For all organisms that we have been accustomed to include under the term E. coli are potential Councilmania on the only real distinction made between the two organisms, viz, budding-and this latter phenomenon depends on purely physical attributes and artificial outside causes.

Condition of internal stress produced by osmosis in combination with a rigidity of the cyst wall may be the necessary factors in producing “buds.” Whatever be the cause, “budding” forms are not seen in the fresh specimen, or, if they should be, may be ascribed to a pathologic or abnormal physical condition.

Amœbæ of the type described as Councilmania are exceedingly common. There is no evidence that they have pathogenic qualities. Their normal diet would class them as fzcal scavengers.

In a stool from which stained specimens of “budding” cysts may be easily made, it is impossible to find any detached “amebulae”—which leads one to infer that “budding” is produced artificially in the process of fixation and staining. Many “buds” may be found in direct smears from concentrated cysts after fixation in hot Schaudinn, though none at all are to be seen in fresh saline smears from the same original material.

Budding of amcebulae in the bowel of the host is contrary to natural reason. It would be suicidal and is therefore impossible, except as a pathological process. That some such process takes place after ingestion of the cysts by a new host is, of course, possible or even probable.

If “budding” be not a normal process within the bowel, there is no excuse for the naming of a new species. On the other hand, if “budding” be a natural process E. coli must be the rarest of intestinal inhabitants and Councilmania the commonest.