The endotoxins of gram-negative bacteria and host resistance.

Abstract

Shwartzman PhenomenonLate in the 1920's Dr. Gregory Shwartzman described the phenomenon of local skin reactivity to culture filtrates of meningococci and of other gram-negative bacteria. This curious laboratory artifact has come to be known by his name. During the past decade great strides have been made toward an understanding of the Shwartzman phenomenon through the efforts of Thomas and his co-workers.Dermal hemorrhagic necrosis, the characteristic lesion of the phenomenon, is brought about in the following manner. A "preparatory" injection of endotoxin is given intradermally. Nothing visible occurs. Eighteen to twenty-four hours later endotoxin is given intravenously. Shortly after . . .