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175
BACTERIOLOGICAL LABORATORY-
The Bacteriological Laboratory, situated at Arlington Lodge,
Wanless Road, Loughborough Junction, has again proved most
useful during 1904—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 originally fitted up by the late Vestry
in 1899, and since then (up to the end of 1904) 3,009* examinations
have been made, viz:— Tuberculosis 957, Typhoid Fever
535, Diphtheria 1489, and Others 28 (ice-creams, urine, tumours,
milk, etc.).
During 1904, 447 examinations have been made, and the subjoined
details are given in connection therewith :—
Tuberculosis—
188 samples of sputa from doubtful tuberculosis cases have
been examined, and in 60 (i.e., 31.9 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 128 instances (i.e., 68.1
per cent.), no tubercle bacilli were found. In no instance
was the pneumococcus (of Friedlander) found.
The increase in the number of samples of sputum submitted
is due to the Council having made Consumption (with tuberculous
expectorations) voluntarily notifiable throughout the
Borough on (and after) Jnne 1st, 1902. Greater exactitude in
diagnosis is being, in this way, secured in this disease.
*1899—389 ; 1900—703 ; 1901—479 ; 1902—460 ; 1903—525 ; 1904—
447 ; Total—3009. Vide Special Report in Appendix.