The survival of gonococci and meningococci in subcutaneous diffusion chambers in mice

Studies are reported on the survival of gonococci and meningococci in Millipore diffusion chambers implanted subcutaneously in normal mice and in pre-immunised mice. The chambers allowed the passage of nutrients and humoral factors but excluded host cells. After an initial fall in the viable count--attributed to lysis by non-specific serum factors--there was evidence of multiplication of Neisseria gonorrhoeae; the subsequent development of specific antibody led to the disappearance of gonococci 16 days after the chambers were implanted. N. meningitidis behaved differently in the implanted chambers. Meningococci did not appear to be lysed by non-specific humoral factors and so the viable count showed no initial fall. The meningococci survived for 49 days, at which time the entire chamber was rejected.