Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Induction of Cerebral Arterial Gas Embolism in Rat
06:26

Induction of Cerebral Arterial Gas Embolism in Rat

Published on: October 18, 2024

A CASE OF GENERAL GASEOUS EMPHYSEMA WITH GAS CYSTS IN THE BRAIN FORMED AFTER DEATH AND DUE TO BACILLUS MUCOSUS

W T Howard1

  • 1Pathological Laboratory of Lakeside Hospital, Cleveland, O.

The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Bacillus mucosus capsulatus caused brain gas cysts and emphysema in a patient. This bacterium also induced gaseous emphysema in rabbit cadavers, suggesting it may be responsible for similar human cases without prior bacteriological examination.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Pathology
  • Bacteriology

Background:

  • Septicemia can present with unusual localizations.
  • Gas-forming bacteria can cause emphysema in cadavers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of septicemia with brain involvement caused by Bacillus mucosus capsulatus.
  • To investigate the pathogenic potential of Bacillus mucosus capsulatus in causing gaseous emphysema.

Main Methods:

  • Case report and clinical observation.
  • Bacteriological isolation and identification of Bacillus mucosus capsulatus.
  • Experimental induction of gaseous emphysema in rabbit cadavers.

Main Results:

  • A human case of septicemia with brain gas cysts and general gaseous emphysema due to Bacillus mucosus capsulatus was identified.
  • Bacillus mucosus capsulatus successfully induced gaseous emphysema in rabbit cadavers.
  • Intravenous sugar injection enhanced gas formation in experimental models.

Conclusions:

  • Bacillus mucosus capsulatus is a potential cause of severe septicemia with neurological complications.
  • This bacterium can induce gaseous emphysema, a finding relevant to unexplained post-mortem gas accumulation.
  • Further investigation is warranted for cases of gaseous emphysema lacking definitive bacteriological diagnosis.

More Related Videos

Study of Experimental Organ Donation Models for Lung Transplantation08:56

Study of Experimental Organ Donation Models for Lung Transplantation

Published on: March 15, 2024

Simplified Whole Body Plethysmography to Characterize Lung Function During Respiratory Melioidosis07:27

Simplified Whole Body Plethysmography to Characterize Lung Function During Respiratory Melioidosis

Published on: February 24, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema

Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Pneumothorax-I01:26

Pneumothorax-I

A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...