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46
BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS.
The number of specimens examined bacteriologically, and the diseases in relation
to which the examinations were made, are shown in the following table. The figures,
it will be noted, are more than double those for 1913, the most marked increase being
in the case of diphtheria. The reasons for this have already been given.
Arrangements for carrying out the examination of blood for the Wassermann
reaction, the test which is of so much assistance in the diagnosis of syphilis, were
made in April, 1914, with Dr. Foulerton, of the Middlesex Hospital, who was
appointed by the Council at this time to carry out bacteriological work on their
behalf. The majority of the specimens were sent from institutions and particularly
the Workhouse Infirmary. Further information with regard to the arrangements
made for the carrying out of this test will be found on page 44.
1913. 1914.
Positive. Negative. Total. Positive. Negative. Total.
Typhoid Fever 6 14 20 20 33 53
Diphtheria 33 105 138 93 650 743
Phthisis 120 552 672 173 686 859
Wassermann Reaction — — — 38 82 120
Malaria — — — — 1 1
Totals 159 671 830 324 1452 1776