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157
1904
BACTERIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF DIPHTHERIA, ENTERIC
FEVER, AND PHTHISIS.
Since July, 1897, mucus and blood from patients living in the borough
suspected to be suffering from Diphtheria and Enteric Fever have been
examined gratuitously for Medical Practitioners, and since January 1898 the
sputum from suspected phthisical patients has also been examined. During
1904, 274 specimens were submitted for examination which is a decrease of 11
on the preceding year. This may be accounted for by the continued decrease
in the number of notifications. Of the specimens examined 86 were from
suspected Diphtheria cases, 53 from suspected Enteric Fever cases, and 135
from suspected Phthisis cases.
These examinations have proved a great boon to the medical profession,
who have again and again expressed their appreciation of the work that has
been done for them.
Diphtheria.—In 28 instances, out of 86 specimens of mucus from the
throats of patients examined, the bacillus of diphtheria was discovered whilst
in 58 it was not found, so that 32.5 per cent. gave a positive diagnosis.
Enteric Fever.—53 specimens of blood were examined, of which 14, or
26.4 per cent. resulted in a positive diagnosis of the disease, while 39 gave
negative results.
Phthisis.—139 specimens of sputum were forwarded for examination, of
which 46 or 443 per cent. were discovered to contain the tubercle bacilli, while
59 gave negative results.
In the annual report for 1899, p. 172, the method of examination was
explained.
The examinations were made as usual under an arrangement with the
Lister Institute, who performed their work with the least possible delay.