This case of mastoiditis due to Bacillus proteus is reported because of the many complications and of the fact that recovery occurred. Recently Gerzog1 published an interesting résumé concerning such infections. He emphasized the extensive destruction of dura. The present report confirms previous statements as to the extreme morbidity resulting from this organism's activity. In 1936 McGovern2 emphasized the seriousness of mastoiditis due to B. proteus and reported 2 cases. At operation, a foul, destructive process of the sinus wall was disclosed in both of these cases. In both death occurred, autopsy in 1 case showing multiple lung infarcts, abscesses, empyema and lobular pneumonia. In the other, a case similar to those of Gerzog, an extensive destructive process involving the dura was revealed. In this case death was apparently due to the associated septicemia.
Salient points regarding the otogenic behavior of B. proteus warrant reaffirmation, namely: 1. The site is