STUDIES UPON MINUTE HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI

1. Minute beta hemolytic streptococci were found to occur from one-third to one-half as frequently in normal individuals as do ordinary beta hemolytic streptococci. 2. They were rarely isolated from the rhinopharynges of individuals suffering from chronic disease. 3. In acute respiratory tract infection other than that due to the ordinary beta hemolytic streptococcus the incidence of minute streptococci was slightly higher than in normal individuals. 4. In acute streptococcal infections, scarlet fever and acute tonsillitis, for example, the incidence of minute hemolytic streptococci did not significantly vary from the incidence found in normal human beings. 5. Minute beta hemolytic streptococci were found in the throats of 33 out of 42 patients ill with glomerular nephritis and in 25 out of 59 patients who were suffering from the various manifestations of rheumatic fever. 6. In glomerular nephritis and rheumatic infection the minute beta hemolytic streptococci were isolated from the throats of more patients than were the ordinary beta hemolytic streptococci.