Abstract

An excellent and extensive study of the pathological features of fatal influenza cases. Significant attention is given to the pathology of the lungs. An intelligent discussion of the presence of B. influenzae and its possible role in the pandemic is included. The author’s uncertainty about its role is reflected in the following passage: “It is extremely difficult to account for the epidemiological features of this pandemic if we accept the bacillus influenza as the cause. Our lack of knowledge of the pathogenicity of the influenza bacillus and our failure to reproduce the disease in man and animals with pure cultures is also a strong argument against its being the cause of influenza. Yet, on the other hand, it is almost as difficult to explain the constant occurrence of the influenza bacillus in a series such as I have studied.”“Without going into corroborative details at this time, I may say that in the gross appearance of the lungs I have laid emphasis upon, B. influenzae was the only organism which could be cultivated and I unhesitatingly associate these distinctive conditions with that organism.”