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191
[1912
BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS.
A larger number of these examinations were made for the medical profession
during 1912 than in any year since the Council undertook the work,
for altogether 945 specimens of sputum or blood were examined. These
figures contrast with 788 in 1911, 682 in 1910, and 577 in 1909. The work
is much appreciated and has been most useful.
Diphtheria.—435 swabs of mucus taken from the throats of patients
suspected to be suffering from Diphtheria were examined, as contrasted with
484 in 1911. 137 positive results were obtained ; and the cases were afterwards
duly notified by the practitioners.
Enteric Fever.—50 specimens of blood were examined, 23 being
positive and 27 negative.
Phthisis.—460 specimens of sputum were examined, which is an increase
of 208 on the record for 1911. This increase was without doubt due to two
causes, the first of which was the compulsory notification of the disease under
the Public Health (Tuberculosis) Regulations, 1911, and the second to the
advent of the National Insurance Act. Of the 460 specimens, 119 gave
positive results, and 341 negative.
As usual, the examinations were made by the Lister Institute, which during
the last 13 years has made no less than 6,666 examinations for this Council.
Of these 3,127 were of specimens from the throats of diphtheritic patients
998 were of blood from suspected enteric fever patients, and 2,541 were of
sputa from suspected phthisical cases.
The following Tables give the results of the examinations that have been
made during the last 14½ years.
Diseases.
Total
Examinations.
Positive Results.
Negative Results.
Percentage
of
Positive Results.
Diphtheria
3,127
1,068
2,059
34.1
Enteric Fever
998
443
555
44.4
Phthisis
2,541
813
1,728
32.0
Total
6,666
2,324
4,342
34.9