FURTHER STUDIES ON THE EFFECTS OF X-RADIATION ON THE MULTIPLICATION OF RICKETTSIA MOOSERI IN EMBRYONATE EGGS

Abstract

The intensifying effect of X-radiation on rickettsial growth can be attributed to alterations of the cells of the host that persist for at least 7 days. Greatest enhancement of the growth of rickettsia occurred when moderately infected cells were irradiated. Experiments indicate that X-rays may neutralize or reverse changes in the host that are unfavorable to the growth of rickettsia. Explanations of the observed phenomena in terms of biochemical and biological alterations of the cells of the host are discussed.