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24
Taking figures from St. George's Hospital as far back as
1840, in 2,101 post-mortem examinations
From birth to 15 years, 27.9 per cent, showed evidence of infection.
From 15 to 30 years, 35.0 ,, ,, ,, ,, „ ,,
From 30 to 45 years, 25.0 ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,,
From 46 to 60 years, 7.7 ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,,
All 26.1 ,, ,, ,, ,, I, ,,
Coming to more modern times, and the use of Tuberculin reactions,
the statement may be accepted that the whole population
has been infected by the 12th to 14th years and has re-acted to
the presence of the parasite. In most cases the damage is nil, but
in others according to their inherited constitution the secondary
changes are small or great in amount.
Percentage Showing Evidence of Infection by
Tubercle Baccillus or such as have acquired
an intolerance to its Presence.
By By Cutaneous
Cutaneous re-action and
re-action. injection,
per cent. per cent.
2nd yoar of life 2 9
3rd to 4th year 13 27
5th to 6th year 17 51
7th to 10th year 35 71
11th to 14th year 55 94
From these data it seems that Tuberculosis is much more
common than is usually believed. If we ignore the area infected,
practically the whole population is concerned. In ordinary every
day life children undergo periods of indifferent health and vigour,
which is disturbing to the parent and unsatisfactory to the medical
attendant, as little or no abnormality can be detected to account
for the condition. Much of this may be due to unrecognisable
Tuberculosis, and be dependent on the establishment of an
immunity.