FACTORS AFFECTING THE RAPID DISAPPEARANCE OF BACTERIA PLACED ON THE NORMAL SKIN

[摘要] An attempt to correlate by a standard technic the observations in the literature which pertain to the rapid cell sterilization of the skin. Standard samples of bacteria from the skin surface were removed by a special device consisting of a small electric motor, operating neoprene brushes. Bacterial samples were transferred by means of the brush, to a glass cylinder held firmly against the skin and containing 2 ml. of saline. Using as test organisms Escherichia coli, staphylococci and group G streptococci, no evidence was obtained that any antibacterial factor other than desiccation is involved in the disappearance of bacilli. The rapid desiccation is rendered possible by the presence of a sebaceous film on the skin. In 4 or 5 individuals E. coli established itself in the normal flora of the skin under certain conditions.