Experimental Production of Gas Bacillus Infection with Wool Implantations

Abstract

The organisms producing gas bacillus infection are widely distributed in nature, the most frequent source being from contaminated soil by the excreta of both man and animals. That the organisms can, and do occur in finished products made from both wool and hair from animals were reported by the author. 1 It was demonstrated at that time both clinically and bacteriologically that clean wool cloth and wads from shot gun shells were the sources of the gas-producing organisms in clinical cases of gas gangrene. Clean wool samples and shot gun shell wads were cultured at the same time and the Bacillus welchii was demonstrated in each culture.

The following experiments were performed on animals either to refute or substantiate these clinical and bacteriological observations. Five dogs were used. The right and left thighs were shaved over the flexor group of muscles, thoroughly washed with soap and water, and followed by alcohol and iodine. Incisions were made in both thighs through skin and fascia lata down to the muscles. One muscle belly of the flexor group was then traumatized by crushing forceps. Pieces of wool cloth were introduced into this traumatized muscle of the left thigh and wads from shot gun shells introduced into the traumatized muscle of the right thigh. The fascia lata was then closed over the foreign body in the muscle and the skin was closed with continuous silk suture.

Nineteen hours after the introduction of the foreign bodies, the dogs showed the development of gas bacillus infection in each thigh. The presence of gas increased in 40% of the animals and decreased in 60%. The decrease in the amount of gas in 3 of the animals was due to rupture of the wound, which allowed the gas to escape.