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185
BACTERIOLOGICAL LABORATORY
The Bacteriological Laboratory, situated at Arlington Lodge,
Wanless Road, Loughborough Junction, has again proved most
useful during 1903—having been much used by the Medical
Practitioners practising within the Borough. All examinations
are carried out free of cost to the Medical Practitioners.
The Laboratory was orignally fitted up by the late Vestry
in 1899, and since then (up to the end of 1903) 2,562* examinations
have been made, viz:—Tuberculosis 709, Typhoid Fever
475, Diphtheria 1299, and others 19 (ice-creams, urine, tumours,
etc.).
During 1903, 525 examinations have been made, and the subjoined
details are given in connection therewith:—
Tuberculosis—
204 samples of sputa from doubtful tuberculosis cases have
been examined, and in 71 (i.e., 34.8 per cent.) tubercle bacilli
have been found. The importance of tuberculosis cases being
diagnosed at as early a date as possible is now acknowledged by
all physicians, as in the early stages this disease may be arrested
if not cured, by proper treatment. In 133 instances (i.e., 65.2
per cent.), no tubercle bacilli were found. In 2 instances,
pneumococci (of Friedlander) were found.
The increase in the number of samples submitted is due to the
Council having made Consumption (with tuberculous expectorations)
voluntarily notifiable throughout the Borough on (and
after) June 1st, 1902. Greater exactitude in diagnosis is being,
in this way, secured.
*1899—389; 1900—703; 1901—479; 1902—466; 1903—525; Total—
2562. Vide Special Report in Appendix.