Experimental Bronchogenic Pyogenic Lung Abscess

Abstract

In a previous communication a method was described for producing bronchogenic lung abscess with human tubercle B. The present report is on the production of bronchogenic lung abscess in dogs by the same method, using pyogenic organisms. Thirteen dogs were narcotized with morphine sulphate and divided into 2 groups. In each of the first 7 dogs, 0.25 cc. of a suspension of a mixture of Streptococcus hemolyticus and Staphylococcus aureus in lipiodol was deposited in the peripheral portion of the right lower lobe. In 2 of this group a similar amount was also placed in the left lower lobe. This was accomplished by means of a ureteral catheter introduced through a bronchoscope. The procedure was carried out under fluoroscopic control, thus the deposit could be made at any desired location. In each of the second 6 dogs 0.25 cc. of a broth suspension of Streptococcus hemolyticus and Staphylococcus aureus was deposited in the peripheral portion of the right lower lobe. A similar amount of lipiodol was placed in the peripheral portion of the left lower lobe. Results. Group I. Three dogs were sacrificed on the 12th post-infected day. All presented indurated areas 1.5 to 2.5 cm. in diameter, one of which contained a cavity 0.33 cm. in diameter, and another a cavity of 1.0 cm. in diameter, each with a necrotic lining. The results in the other dogs are summarized in Table I. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from one of the 2 cavities in animal 232. Group II. One dog was sacrificed on the 14th post-infected day, 2 on the 15th and 3 on the 26th day. All lobes in which lipiodol had been deposited appeared normal except in one of the 15-day dogs. Here there was a slightly indurated area 0.5 x 1.0 cm. in dimension. All lobes in which micro-organisms had been placed appeared normal except the 14-day animal and one of the two 15-day dogs. In each of these a small indurated area 0.5 cm. in diameter was found, containing no cavity. In the 14-day animal, indurated areas were also noted in the right middle and right upper lobes. Microscopic sections through the indurated areas revealed infiltration with lymphocytes, endothelial cells and a few polymorphonuclear leucocytes.