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64
1915]
BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS.
During the year 1,284 examinations were made of sputum and blood of
patients of the medical profession for the detection of Diphtheria, Enteric
Fever and Phthisis. This number shows a decrease of 281 on the return for
1914, and was 78 less than that for 1913.
Diphtheria.—483 swabs were submitted, of which 123 gave positive
results, and 360 negative. The results of these and other samples were
immediately forwarded to the medical practitioners, some being sent by telephone
or telegraphed direct to the doctors from the Lister Institute where the
examinations were made.
Enteric Fever.—35 examinations of blood taken from enteric fever
patients were made, as contrasted with 59 in 1914, of which 16 proved positive,
and 19 negative.
Phthisis—766 specimens of sputum were examined, of which 198 gave
positive results, and 568 negative. This return is 44 less than that for 1914,
and 37 above that for 1913. It may be remarked that examinations for
tubercle bacilli have of late years largely increased. This is due, of course,
to the notification of Tuberculosis.
The following Tables give the results of the examinations that have been
made during the last 17½ years.
Diseases.
Total
Examinations.
Positive Results.
Negative Results.
Percentage
of
Positive Results.
Diphtheria
4,887
1,532
3,355
31.3
Enteric Fever
1,144
498
646
43.5
Phthisis
4,846
1,437
3,409
29.7
Total
10,877
3,467
7,410
31. 9