Fuso-spirochætal diseases of the lungs

Abstract

Clinical, bacteriological, pathological, and experimental studies indicate that pulmonary gangrene, most cases of pulmonary abscess, certain types of unresolved pneumonia, and bloody bronchitis, putrid bronchitis, and chronic bronchiectasis are not separate disease entities but different manifestations of infection with an anaerobic group of organisms acting in symbiosis. This group of organisms include: (1) Spirochetes ( Treponema microdentium, Treponema macrodentium, Spirochæta vincenti , and Spirochæta bronchialis ); (2) fusiform bacilli; (3) vibrios; (4) cocci. These forms are constantly present in the (1) washed pulmonary sputum, (2) in the pulmonary tissue at necropsy, and have been found in the (3) pulmonary tissues of animals dying of the disease transmitted to them by injection of the sputum from patients with abscess and bronchiectasis. Similar organisms are normally present in the gums of patients with pyorrhoea, and these pyorrhoea organisms will produce typical pulmonary abscesses when introduced into the trachea of mice, guinea-pigs, rabbits or dogs. The patient's own gums are probably the most common source of the infection, although infection of the pharynx with Vincent's angina may be a source of danger to others as well as to the patient. Rest in bed, postural drainage, and arsenical therapy in the early stages, and skilful surgical interference in the resistant cases will produce a fairly good percentage of cures. Proper oral hygiene is the most important factor in preventing the disease.