Infection, immunity and serum therapy : in relation to the infectious diseases which attack man; with considerations of the allied subjects of agglutination, precipitation, hemolysis, etc. / by H. T. Ricketts.

  • Ricketts, Howard Taylor, 1871-1910.
Date:
1906
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Infection, immunity and serum therapy : in relation to the infectious diseases which attack man; with considerations of the allied subjects of agglutination, precipitation, hemolysis, etc. / by H. T. Ricketts. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University.

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    ward the anterior nares. Nevertheless, the nasal mucous membrane is a common infection atrium for streptococci, staphylococci, diphtheria and in- fluenza bacilli, the diplocoecus of epidemic men- ingitis, and, probably, for other infectious agents. Mouth. At least thirty species of micro-organisms flour- ish in the oral cavity, some of them being patho- genic: staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, and often diphtheria bacilli. They are constantly removed with the saliva, and through the exten- sive desquamation of the epidermis occasioned by mastication. Saliva is not germicidal, but in- hibits the growth and weakens the virulence of some bacteria. The fetid breath and the sor- didity observed in fevers where the mouth is dry are attributable at least in part to the lack of saliva with its anti-infectious properties. The great rapidity with which wounds of the month heal is a potent factor in preventing serious infec- tions. Lungs. Micro-organisms do not readily reach the ulti- mate ramifications of the bronchioles. In ordinary respiration the velocit}r of the inspired air is so reduced as it nears the alveoli that the further movements of the gases is one of gradual diffusion more than of violent admixture. Consequently there are greater opportunities for germs to come in contact with the bronchial walls where they become imbedded in mucus with which the3r may be expelled by coughing and the action of the ciliated epithelium. Both the alveolar epithelial cells and the leucocytes which enter the air sacs and bronchioles have been shown to take up bac- teria. The conditions in the lungs which favor the development of infections, bronchitis, pneu-