Channels of Entry
The channels through which germs enter the body are grouped as follows: (a) respiratory tract, (b) digestive tract, (c) skin, (d) genito-urinary tract.
Since the air contains many germs at all times, it can readily be seen that the respiratory tract forms an excellent portal of entry through the mucous membrane of the eyes, nose, mouth, throat and lungs. It is asserted by those who believe that germs cause dis-ease, that the germs of diphtheria, scarlatina, measles and pneumonia enter the body through the respiratory tract. It can readily be seen that since the air contains bacteria at all times, even of the so-called pathogenic type, that they would be taken in with every breath and if these germs were the cause of dis-ease every individual would have all kinds of dis-ease. It is quite evident that these germs do not remain in the body except under the most favorable conditions, obtaining only when there is interference with transmission which makes the tissues abnormal.
It is maintained by exponents of the germ theory that the greater number of germ dis-eases are caused by the germs that enter the body through the mouth into the alimentary tract. There are many pathogenic and non-pathogenic germs contained in the food that we eat and the water that we drink, and yet these germs do not produce dis-ease in every individual, yet the exponents of the germ theory hold that typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery and many other dis-eases are transmitted to the body through the alimentary canal by means of food and water.
As a portal of entrance for germs into the body, the skin is considered of least importance since the germs will not penetrate the normal skin under ordinary circumstances. If there is an abrasion or wound infection may be produced by the entrance of germs, but this will take place only when there is sufficient interference with transmission of mental impulses to make it impossible for Innate Intelligence to bring about proper reparatory processes. Animal parasites may find a portal of entrance through the skin.
The genito-urinary tract furnishes a portal of entrance into the body for such germs as those of gonorrhea, syphilis and tuberculosis, either by direct contact or through intermediary agents. Infection of the body is by means of some of these entry channels which differ with the different bacteria. The bacteria may be entirely innocent when entering one part of the body, yet when they enter through some other portal they may be considered pathogenic. In other words, some germs will thrive in one part of the body but not in some other part.