Abstract
Previous investigators 1 have repeatedly shown that experimental animals (Albino rats), placed on diets deficient in vitamin A, develop a characteristic susceptibility to infection. Goldblatt and Benischek 2 mention that smears made of tongue abscesses in animals suffering from lack of vitamin A, inevitably show a mixture of gram-positive diplococci and gram-negative bacilli.
The following communication states briefly the results observed, thus far, in a study of the bacteriology of infections resulting through vitamin A deficiency. Dr. Burt R. Shurly, Chairman of the Research Department, suggested this problem for investigation.
The bacteriological flora of the nasal cavities, posterior nasal aperture, and middle ear have been studied in both normal and infected animals. Cultures from the eye and abscesses of the upper digestive tract are also under investigation.
The experiments conducted have shown that gram-negative cocci and gram-negative bacilli are the outstanding organisms in the suppurations of the infected animals. The absence of gram-positive organisms is noticeable.
According to Gordon's 3 classification of gram-negative cocci of the nose and throat, 3 types appear to excel in the pathological animals. These are M. catarrhalis, M . catarrhalis subgroup A, and a microorganism classed in group 6 of the chromogenic type.
Virulence tests with young cultures of the last 2 organisms have repeatedly shown toxic effects toward rabbits, death occurring, after intravenous injections of 4 cc. of a 48-hour broth, within 24 to 48 hours.
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