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Bacteriological work done in the laboratory at County Hall.
The investigations carried out during the year 1931-32 are summarised below
under the various headings. The work undertaken in this laboratory is chiefly
associated with the control of infectious diseases in the Council's day and residential
schools, and in addition a certain amount of bacteriological investigation is carried
out on material such as water, milk, etc., submitted to the Council's chemist for
analysis.
Diphtheria Carrier investigation (see also Annual Report Vol. Ill, Pt. II, page 58).—
4,856 specimens were examined, of which 270 yielded positive morphological KLB;
of 438 cultures submitted to animal test, 204 were virulent, 31 avirulent and 203
negative.
Ringworm.—884 specimens of hair of the head were examined. Fungus was
identified in 265 (206 small spore, 59 large spore).
Hcemolytic streptococcus carriers.—(a) puerperal fever contacts—24 specimens
were examined (4 positive, 20 negative).
(b) presumed contacts of scarlet fever—10 specimens were examined (all
negative).
Vincent's angina.—Throat swabs from two reported cases failed to show spirilla
or fusiform bacilli.
Sputum examinations.—70 specimens were examined, tubercle bacilli being found
in 28 cases.
Urine (for presence of albumen).-—8 specimens were examined, 3 yielding positive
results.
Discharges (a) urethral or vaginal—11 specimens were examined, one showed
gonococci and pus cells.
(b) conjunctival—All were negative for gonococcus. B. xerosis was found in
one and Morax-Axenfeld identified in another.
Water (a) from Council's institutions, schools, etc.—Of the 187 specimens
examined, 69 were abnormal and 118 normal.
(b) from swimming baths—one of two specimens examined was abnormal.
Work of the Chemical Branch.
The work of the chemical branch is carried out at four laboratories, viz., the
central laboratory at County Hall, the laboratories at the Northern and Southern
outfalls, and at Greenwich power station.
Central
laboratory.
The greater part of the work done at the central laboratory consists of the
examination of materials of all kinds bought by or used for the Council, and of water,
air, materials which have failed in use, and other matters arising out of the Council's
undertakings. A considerable number of samples have been examined in connection
with the Petroleum Acts and the Fertilizers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1926.
An important part of the work of the branch consists of the consideration of,
and giving advice on, matters involving scientific questions.