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125
BACTERIOLOGICAL LABORATORY.
During the past year the Bacteriological Laboratory has
been fitted up at Arlington Lodge, Wanless Road, Loughborough,
and is proving highly satisfactory, much good
work having been done in connection with the examinations
of sputa, throat membranes and discharges, and samples of
blood, as shown by the subjoined particulars. The Vestry,
judging by the results of the first year's experience, are
more than justified in having decided to establish in the
centre of their district a local laboratory for the sole use
of Medical Practitioners practising in Lambeth, and the
medical men are to be congratulated in having responded
so enthusiastically, and made such good use of the opportunities
for bacteriological diagnosis offered to them by the
Vestry free of cost.
Tuberculosis.
90 samples of sputa from doubtful Tuberculosis cases have
been examined during the year, and in 33 (i.e., 36.7%)
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 cured by proper treatment.
In 57 instances (63.3%), no tubercle bacilli were found.
Typhoid Fever.
81 samples of blood from suspected Typhoid cases have
been examined during the year, and in 40 (i.e., 49.4%) the
characteristic Widal reaction has been obtained, although in
eight of the cases (i.e., 20%) this reaction was but
slightly (or feebly) marked. The reaction depends on the
fact that the specific (Eberth-Gaffky) bacilli of Typhoid