Induction of L Forms ofHaemophilus influenzaein Culture and Their Demonstration in Human Bronchial Secretions

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Abstract
Transitional forms and round bodies ofHaemophilus influenzaewere identified in sputa from patients with chronic bronchitis who were receiving penicillin therapy forH. influenzaeinfections. In vitro growth of L forms of this organism was induced by penicillin and glycine and was studied for comparison with development in vivo. Variant forms demonstrated in sputum were similar to variant forms observed in penicillin-induced L colonies. Recurrence of infection after cessation of therapy was related to reversion of persisting L forms to bacillary forms. That these forms were derived fromH. influenzaewas established by direct staining with fluoresceinlabeled specific antibody. This demonstration that transitional forms and round bodies ofH. influenzaeoccurred in vivo suggests that L forms of bacteria may be significant in chronic or recurrent infections.