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95 [1938
BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS, OTHER THAN FOOD.
Examinations numbering 2,238 were made in infections for the medical profession
of sputum, of swabs from the throat, and of the blood, of patients suspected to be
suffering from Tuberculosis, Diphtheria and Enteric Fever, respectively.
The number is a decrease of 203 on that of the preceding year and 362 below
the decennial average. Of the total examinations, 245, or 10.9 per cent., gave
positive results.
Tuberculosis.—395 specimens of sputum were examined, 44, or 11.1 per
cent. of which showed that the patients were suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis.
These are in addition to routine examinations at the two Tuberculosis Dispensaries.
Diphtheria.—1,835 specimens were examined for Diphtheria, of which 201,
or 10-9 per cent., were found to be "positive."
Enteric Fever.—8 specimens of blood and faeces were examined, none of
which gave a positive result.
DIPHTHERIA—PATHOGENICITY TESTS.
1938.
During the year ten swabs were sent with the object of having pathogenicity
tests done if bacilli were found, but in none of these was a pathogenicity test
possible owing to failure to isolate suspicious bacilli.