Abstract
1) Recently the present author has attempted to investigate an endemic disease known as “Kuwazu” disease in Japan (a part of Shiga prefecture) in the view-point of the vitamin B12, biochemistry. Several intensive experiment for isolating Actinomycetes from the excrement of the diseased animals were unsuccessful. On the other hand, control otests for ordinary animals always showed positive results.
2) Moreover, further studies on the relation between the growth of the microorganisms and the concentration of SiF6'' and F' found in the soil and running water of this province were carried out. 1.52.0 mg fluorine (as SiF6″ ions) per 10 cc of the broth for microbial assay was fatally toxic to Actinomycetes.
From these facts, the author has concluded that the “Kuwazu disease” in Japan may be due to the endemic deficiency owing to the death of vitamin B3, -synthesizing microorganisms.
