SCARLET FEVER. Synonyms.—Scarlatina; Scarlet Rash. Definition ...

colonies appear on the culture medium in the form of thin, grayish
masses of scales.
Its vital tenacity is also characteristic, and, whether inside or outside the
body, has great resisting power. These bacilli survive freezing and
desiccation, and live indefinitely outside the body. In the body they are
found in all tubercular masses, though in varying quantity, the greatest
numbers being found in actively forming tubercle. Should a tubercular
mass open into a vein or lymph tract, they will be found distributed to
every tissue of the body.
Outside the body they are found principally in the sputum. Nuttall has
estimated that several billion are thrown off daily by a phthisical
patient during the advanced stage. The sputum drying, is reduced to
dust by the friction that is constantly going on, and this dust permeates
the atmosphere everywhere, settles upon furniture, draperies, carpets,
the bed-linen, in fact, upon every article in the home of the afflicted, as
well as upon walls and ceilings. When this dust is dislodged, it again
floats in the air and is even then a source of danger.
The bacillus may be found in quite large numbers in the nares of people
occupying or visiting these infected quarters. The chemical products
resulting from the evolution of the bacillus and infected tissue has not
yet been determined.
Mode of Infection.—The most frequent manner of receiving the
infectious material is, undoubtedly, through respiration, and the minute
bronchial tubes and lung are the first to show its ravages, although the
nares and larynx follow in quick succession. At other times it gains
entrance through the digestive apparatus, through infected meat and
milk. Hereditary transmission, while possible (tubercles having been
found in the fetus), is extremely rare and is mosr likely transmitted
through the blood bv way of the placenta. Inoculation may occur, by
coming in direct contact, through cuts, fissures, excoriations, abrasions
of any character, and generally assumes the character of tuberculosis of
the skin.
Pathology.—Any organ of the body may be the seat of the disease,
though some special parts are peculiarly susceptible. In the adult the
lungs are the most frequently affected, while in children the lymph
glands, joints, and intestines are the seat of election. The brain is also
quite often the seat of the lesion, while the other viscera, liver, kidneys,
The Eclectic Practice of Medicine - PART I - Infectious Diseases - Page 182