Bacillus Oedematis Maligni is a motile, flagellated, anaerobic, liquefying, sporogenous bacillus, 0.8 to 1.0 u in breadth and 2 to 10 u in length, with rounded ends. Is found in garden earth, in the intestines of healthy animals, and in the lesions of the disease. Is not found in the blood on account of the oxygen present. May occur in long chains.

Fig. 93. - Bacillus of Influenza. Smear from Sputum (after Heim).

Stains

Usual methods, but not Gram's.

Culture

Ordinary media. On gelatin forms small, shining, grayish-white colonies. Under microscope can see long tangled filaments. In glucose-gelatin stabs forms white cloudy areas with some slight gas production.

Fig. 94. - Bacillus Typhosus, from a Twenty-four-hour-old Agar-agar Culture. X 650 (Heim).

Fig. 95. - Bacillus Typhosus, showing Flagella (McFarland).

It is the cause of malignant edema. Is pathogenic for most animals, but cattle seem immune.