View report page

135
By means of bacteriological examinations, greater exactness in
diagnosis of tuberculosis is secured. The large increase in the
numbers of samples of sputum examined during 1913 and 1914
is due to the introduction of the compulsory Public Health (Tuberculosis)
Regulations, the carrying out of the "sanatorium benefit"
under the National Insurance Acts, and the opening to the public
of the Council's Tuberculosis Dispensary (Central) at 73, Effra
Road, on July 23rd, 1913.
Typhoid Fever.
42 samples of blood from suspected typhoid cases were
examined, and in 14 [i.e., 33.3 per cent.) the characteristic Widal
reaction was obtained, although in 11 cases the reactions were
but slightly marked. A high dilution of blood-serum was used
(1-60 and 1-100).
Diphtheria.
838 samples of throat and nose membranes and secretions
from doubtful diphtheria cases were examined, and in 108 [i.e.,
12.9 per cent.), the true Klebs-Lceffler bacilli were isolated.
In 730 [i.e., 87.1 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., staphylococci, streptococci,
torulae, bacilli mesenterici, sarcinoe and pseudo (Hoffmann)
bacilli. The last-named, viz.: pseudo (Hoffmann) bacilli, were
isolated in 3 cases—1 mixed with staphylococci and streptococci,
and 2 mixed with true Klebs-Lceffler bacilli.
18 samples of other materials were examined, viz.: hairs
(for tinea tonsurans), 1 (negative), pus smearings (for gonococci)
11 (5 positive) pus smearings for spirochaetoe pallidoe 3 (all negative),
urine (for tubercle bacilli) 1 (negative), stomach contents (for
sarcinoe) 1 (positive), and skin scraping (for tinea tonsurans) 1
(negative). The pus smearings were from the urethra (3), and
vagina (8).