The literature contains many observations on meningitis caused by an organism resembling the influenza bacillus. The relationship of this organism to the so-called true influenza bacillus of Pfeiffer is still a matter of controversy. We wish to report such a case of meningitis and describe the results of the study of the organism. A variety of interesting laboratory findings were made, but the picture of the purulent meningitis remained clear cut. The bacillus was isolated from the spinal fluid, blood, throat, nose and nasopharynx. Cultures were studied and animals inoculated. The spinal fluid yielded a four plus Wassermann and reduced colloidal gold suspensions in the syphilitic zone. Morphologically typical diphtheria bacilli were found in large numbers in a nasal culture. Death occurred ten days after the onset. A necropsy was not permitted.
REPORT CF CASE
History.—The patient was referred to one of us (I. A. A.) by Dr. Mary