Table of contents
DFM is a technique for examining blood components and microorganisms that has been known since the 17th century.
It is used clinically for the diagnosis of Spirochetes (gram-negative, spiral-shaped, actively moving bacteria, how Leptospires, Treponemas) and Plasmodium species (Malaria parasites), as well as for the detection of E.coli in water samples and the malaria pathogen.
Another, but scientifically untenable, application is the so-called. Vital blood analysis / dark-field microscopy according to Enderlein.
In the following, the history of DFM will be presented, the areas of application scientifically proven by studies, as well as Enderlein's theory of the Pleomorphism and related information.
history
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek (1632 - 1723, Dutch natural scientist and most important microscopist), Robert Hooke (1635 - 1703, English polymath) and Christiaan Huygens (1629 - 1695, Dutch astronomer, mathematician and physicist) were already using the DFM.
Over the course of time, optics and techniques have been further developed so that DFM is now also available for stereo and scanning electron microscopy.
Compared to normal microscopy (Bright fieldmicroscopy), in which the object to be examined is located in front of a light background, DFM is used for contrast-enhanced (without the use of staining techniques) imaging of transparent objects, including living objects, in front of a dark background.
Only the light deflected or scattered by the object is directed through the lens to the viewer's eye, making even the smallest particles visible. The prerequisite is an absolutely clean slide in order to prevent light scattering due to impurities and thus distortions of the object actually being viewed.
Studies on the scientifically recognized use of dark-field microscopy
Syphilis diagnostics (primary syphilis)
Is dark-field microscopy still useful for the primary syphilis diagnosis in the 21st century?
Of 806 samples, 53.2% (429) were positive for DFM. 48% of the 429 patients had negative serologic tests, indicating that DFM one Early detection still enables before serological tests become positive.
Molecular vs. dark field microscopy in syphilis
In patients with primary syphilis, the sensitivity and specificity of DFM compared to clinical diagnoses and laboratory findings were 75-100% and 94-100% respectively. In secondary syphilis, the sensitivity was 58-71% with 100% specificity.
Malaria detection by dark-field microscopy
Dark-field microscopy for detection of malaria in unstained blood films
The in various Plasmodium species pigment shows light scattering when blood smears are viewed using DFM. The technique offers the Advantages of rapid diagnosis, increased sensitivity and Adaptability for field work.
Leptospirosis diagnostics
None of the clinical samples showed positivity by DFM. The study concludes that DFM and culture have a limited benefit at the Diagnosis of leptospirosis with serology remaining the mainstay.
Campylobacter enteritis diagnostics
In 1,377 stool samples, the sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of the observation of Campylobacter motility were 36%, 99% and 62%, respectively. The Sensitivity was highest, when samples within 2 hours were examined (50%) compared to after 2 hours (28%).
Bacterial flagella visualization
Examination of bacterial flagellation by dark-field microscopy
A method for the visualization of unstained bacterial Flagella is described by DFM. Since individual filaments can be seen, a genus such as Salmonella (peritrichously flagellated) are easily distinguished from polar flagellated genera such as Pseudomonas can be distinguished.
Blood vessel visualization in pathology
Dark-field microscopy enhances visibility of CD31 endothelial staining
The visibility of the Peroxidase-induced DAB protein precipitation can be amplified using the DFM technique due to its ability to scatter light, making it easy to detect.
Skin microcirculation with Sidestream Dark Field Imaging
Sidestream Dark Field (SDF) Imaging is the latest tool for the Microcirculation research. It represents a simple and non-invasive imaging technique with low costs, good portability and high sensitivity that delivers fine, well-defined images
Dark-field microscopy according to Enderlein
The hypothesis ...
Günther Enderlein (1872 - 1968, German zoologist and entomologist) published over 500 articles on insect research and gained international recognition.
Antoine Béchamp (1816 - 1908, French chemist, physician and pharmacist) had previously developed the hypothesis of the Phleomorphism(multiformity). He had the idea that all animal and plant cells contained tiny granules (microzymes) from which pathogenic bacteria could develop under certain circumstances
During the First World War, Enderlein took up this hypothesis. Comparative morphological studies on bacteria led to the publication of his main bacteriological work in 1925 Bactieria cyclogeny as an attempt to define a new bacterial classification based on this.
Based on Enderlein's idea that parasites, viruses and bacteria, as well as their further development, are dependent on the pH value of the blood, he founded the so-called Cyclogeny of bacteria (pH-dependent change in the shape of the bacteria). He described the entire development process with the term „cyclode“.
and the contradiction
Enderlein's hypothesis was already contradicted during his lifetime. So in 1931 from Emmy Klieneberger (1892 - 1985, German-British microbiologist - co-discoverer of the Mycoplasma) .
She wrote:
„G. Enderlein has established a systematic structure of a bacterial development cycle that is not based on faithful observations but rather on theoretical speculation. Enderlein's speculations must therefore be completely rejected, as they lack any basis in reality„.
Ferdinand Cohn (1828 - 1898, German bacteriologist and botanist - discoverer of endospores in bacteria) is regarded as the founder of modern bacteriology and the systematic classification of bacteria around 1870. Monophormism, the Louis Pasteur (1822 - 1895, French biochemist, chemist, microbiologist and physicist) and Robert Koch (1843 - 1910, German bacteriologist and physician) are still valid today.
Enderlein's therapeutic approach
Enderlein developed healing preparations as so-called isopathic remedies, similar to homeopathy „like with like“ (simile principle), which are intended to cure diseases caused by pathogens using the same pathogen.
Sanum therapy
He founded SANUM in 1933, today under Sanum Kehlbeck trading. He called his form of therapy Sanum therapy.
The Company Sanum-Kehlbeck sells preparations manufactured according to homeopathic principles in D3 - D7 potencies (decimal dilutions; D7 = 1:10,000,000, corresponding to 1 part starting material to 99,999,999 parts water/alcohol), which may be sold without proof of efficacy under EU law, including ampoules for injection, which also do not have a license under the German Medicines Act (AMG).
Registration according to AMG
All preparations are only available according to § 38 AMG registered, i.e. the manufacturer requires neither proof of therapeutic efficacy nor a statement of indications (areas of application). The preparations must therefore bear the imprint
„Registered homeopathic medicinal product,
therefore without indication of a therapeutic indication“
wear.
Quality control obligation
The manufacturer is responsible for quality controls. In 2023, Sanum was forced to discontinue various injection solutions on 28.03., 06.04. and 14.04. due to contamination with visible particles. recall. The public announcement was made on 17.04.2023.
Side effects
However, since there is no evidence of therapeutic effects (as of 01.2026), various side effects have been identified:
- 70-year-old woman, took Notakehl D4 (3×1 capsule daily) for 6 months, developed acute interstitial nephritis with renal failure (source)
- 39-year-old woman with albuminuria, hematuria and fever after Notakehl application (source)
- Further cases of suspected lung reactions after taking Mucokehl D5, Nigersan D5 and Notakehl D7 (source as before)
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