Microcinematography of the Agglutination of Typhoid Bacilli

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Abstract
Description of a technique for making 16 mm. motion pictures of the motility of typhoid bacilli and their agglutination by means of a sunlight dark-ground method. Sunlight was only source of light powerful enough for the purpose. Kodak Super XX film was used, and a Zeiss cardioid darkground condenser. H- and O-agglutina-tion are dealt with in separate films. It is shown that typhoid bacilli are propelled by a very elongated spiral tail. consisting of 2 spiral flagella. Addition of O-serum results in a direct formation of clumps which is caused by the bacteria attracting one another instead of avoiding one another as was seen before the serum was added. Addition of H-serum is shown to cover the motile organs with small granules which coalesce and changes the thin motile organs into thick, broadly wound spiral structures. From the film there is no doubt that in H-agglutination the specific action ends with the thickening of the motile organs and the actual agglutination is merely a mechanical after-effect. Copies of these two 16 mm. films can be had on request at the cost of duplication.

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