Abstract
Summary
90 to 95% of the viable bacteria placed upon the mucous membrane of the nose are rendered non-viable within 5 to 10 minutes. Repeated application of bacteria to this mucosa is not associated with an exhaustion of this disinfecting mechanism. Cultures obtained from bacteria that have survived the initial period of disinfecting action are removed as promptly as the original strain from the nasal mucosa. Repeated applications did not lead to the development of a resistant strain.
“S” and “R” types of B. coli are removed at the same rate. Isolated instances of the appearance of an “R” variant from an “S” type of B. coli and also of lysogenic B. coli colonies were observed.
We were unable to demonstrate growth inhibiting substance in nasal washings and secretions in vitro.
Subjects in warm rooms showed a retardation in the disappearance of the bacteria from the nasal mucosa.
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