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bacteriological examinations, greater exactitude in
diagnosis is secured. The large increase in the numbers
of samples of sputum examined is due to the introduction
of the Public Health (Tuberculosis) Regulations,
and the carrying out of the "sanatorium benefit" under the
National Insurance Act.
Typhoid Fever.
57 samples of blood from suspected typhoid cases were
examined, and in 31 (i.e., 54.4 per cent.) the characteristic
Widal reaction was obtained, although in 11 cases but
slightly marked. A high dilution of blood-serum was used
(1-60 to 1-100).
Diphtheria.
497 samples of throat and nose membranes and secretions
from doubtful diphtheria cases were examined, and in 55
(i.e., 11.1 per cent.), the true Klebs-Loeffler bacilli were
isolated.
In 442 (i.e., 88.9 per cent.) of the total number of throat
and nose samples examined, the Klebs-Loeffler bacilli were
not isolated, but other bacilli were, e.g., staplylococci,
streptococci, toruloe, micrococci, diplococci sarcinoe, and
pseudo [Hoffmann) bacilli. The last-named, viz.: pseudo
(Hoffmann) bacilli, were isolated in 4 cases—2 in pure
cultivation and 2 mixed with true Klebs-Loeffler bacilli.
22 samples of other materials were examined, viz.: hairs
(for tinea tonsurans), 2 (1 positive), pus (for gonococei) 11,
(4 positive), urine (for phosphates and urates) 7 (all positive),
urine (for gonococci) 1 (negative), and urine (for
tubercle bacilli) 1 (negative).
Antitoxin.
The Borough Council distributed during 1912, free of
cost to medical practitioners practising in the Borough, 38
vials of antitoxin under the Antitoxin Order, 1910.