The Pattern of Dissociation in Hemophilus influenzae

Abstract

The problem of variation in H. influenzae is reviewed in the light of recent observations on microbic dissociation. The data obtained indicate that the pattern of dissociation in H. influenzae corresponds to that of other microorganisms. The 3 phases of dissociation are mucoid (M) smooth (S), and rough (R). M strains are characterized by their morphology, the production of type specific polysaccharides and virulence for man and animal. S strains are characterized by their morphology, lack of type specificity and relative avirulence for man and animal. R strains are characterized by their morphology, lack of type specificity and avirulence for man and animal. They can be distinguished from S strains only by the appearance of their colonies and by the morphology of the individual bacteria.