Experimental Production of Infections in Humans

A reproducible experimental skin infection was a requirement before further studies on the pathogenesis of cutaneous infections could be undertaken. A variety of experimental procedures added further evidence that the skin is difficult to infect. However, a significant regional difference in susceptibility to experimental infection was demonstrated. The technique consisted of: a) applying Staphylococci and Streptococci in the form of an overnight broth culture; b) stabbing through the drop of inoculum with a blood lancet; and c) covering the site with nonporous plastic tape. Four areas on each subject were inoculated in an identical manner. The back was successfully infected in 15% and the arm in 13% of the attempts. The thigh was successfully infected in 21% of the attempts and the leg in 38%. Circulatory factors may account for these differences