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125
BACTERIOLOGICAL LABORATORY.
During the past year, 1900, the Bacteriological Laboratory
which was fitted up at Arlington Lodge, Wanless Road,
Loughborough during 1899, ha? again proved 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 late Vestry, judging by the
results of the first two years' 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, and in stil
responding, so enthusiastically, and making such good use
of the opportunities for bacteriological diagnosis offered to
them free of cost.
Tuberculosis.
118 samples of sputa from doubtful Tuberculosis cases
have been examined during 1900, and in 43 {i.e., 36.4% )
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 arrested, if not cured, by
proper treatment. In 75 instances (63.6% ), no tubercle
bacilli were found.
Typhoid Fever.
115 samples of blood from suspected Typhoid cases have
been examined during 1900, and in G8 (i.e., 59.1% ) the
characteristic Widal reaction has been obtained, although
in 40 of the cases (i.e, 34.8% ) this reaction was but
slightly (or feebly) marked. The reaction depends on the
act that the specific (Eberth-Gaffky) bacilli of Typhoid