Susceptibility of Rabbits to Infection by the Inhalation of Virulent Pneumococci

1. Rabbits are very susceptible to infection by inhalation of Type I pneumococci. 2. When rabbits are exposed to a pneumococcus spray the bacteria readily penetrate into the lower respiratory tract. The pneumococci which reach the periphery of the lungs as a result of this procedure usually disappear within a few hours but a generalized and fatal septicemia frequently later appears. Pneumococci may then be recovered from the periphery of the kidney, liver, and spleen. In the animals which die pleurisy and pericarditis are common but pneumonia does not occur. 3. Rabbits may recover from pneumococcus septicemia.