Abstract
Sewall and de Savitsch 1 , 2 have previously demonstrated a “biological antagonism” between the so-called smegma bacillus† and the tubercle bacillus. The present work was undertaken in the attempt to apply these findings to the problem of defense of the lungs against tuberculous infections.
Twenty-four male snuffle-free rabbits of uniform weight, averaging 2,500 gm., were divided into 3 groups of 8 animals each which were treated as follows: Group A received 4 intratracheal inoculations of 10 mg. each of young viable smegma bacilli at 2-day intervals. Twelve days following the last inoculation 2.5 mg. of a 22-day-old culture of virulent bovine tubercle bacilli‡ were given to each animal by the same route. (.01 mg. of this strain constitutes a lethal dose.) In each case the bacilli were suspended in 1 cc. of physiological salt solution. To avoid the possibility of the bacilli getting into the stomach instead of the lungs a larger catheter was introduced first into the esophagus. Groups B and C, the control groups, received smegma bacilli and tubercle bacilli respectively.
The results were evaluated on the basis of weekly weight curves, longevity, and pathological involvement. Autopsies were performed soon after death and the degree of tuberculous involvement was estimated macroscopically. Histological examination was carried out upon Zenker-fixed celloidin-embedded sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin and upon a duplicate series stained by van Gieson's method for connective tissue. The lungs, liver and spleen were examined with reference to the extent of tuberculous involvement and to the type of lesions. The largest weight gain was shown by the animals in the smegma control group. The immunized group gained weight up to the 60th day, going down until practically the original weight was reached on the 260th day.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.