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133
[1900
BACTERIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF DIPHTHERIA,
ENTERIC FEVER, AND PHTHISIS,
During the year 262 specimens were examined for medical men practising in
Islington, which is an increase of 10 on the preceding year, Of these 105 were
examined for the purpose of diagnosing Diphtheria, 68 for Enteric Fever, and 79
for Phthisis, These numbers fall very far short of what they should be in a large
borough like Islington, and will not bear comparison with those which obtain in
some provincial boroughs, or even with certain of the Metropolitan boroughs.
This is to be greatly regretted for two reasons, first because in doubtful cases,
especially of Diphtheria, the medical attendants would often be able to diagnose the
disease with a certainty, instead as frequently happens of not notifying it, because
an element of doubt presented itself; and would on the other hand frequently not
notify cases, instead of notifying them as at present, in which an element of doubt
existed, and so saved the head of the family the trouble and annoyance of
disinfection, It is greatly to be hoped that more frequent advantage will be taken
of the borough council's arrangement to have these examinations made free of
charge by the Jenner Institute,
Diphtheria,-In 43 instances out of 105 specimens of mucus from the
throats of patients examined, the bacillus diphtheria was discovered in 43, and not
discovered in 62, so that 40 9 per cent, gave a positive diagnosis,
Enteric Fever,-78 specimens of blood were examined, of which 33, or
42,3 per cent, resulted in a positive diagnosis of the disease, while 45 gave negative
results,
Phthisis, -Only 79 specimens of sputum were forwarded for examination,
of which 35, or 44,3 per cent,, were discovered to contain the tubercle bacilli,
In the annual report for 1899, p, 172, the method of examination was explained,
The examinations were made under an arrangement by the Jenner Institute,
who performed their work with the least possible delay,