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Blood films from some patients in this series were sent to us for confirmation of the diagnosis of
species. Misidentification was not infrequent; P. falciparum was mistaken for P. vivax (probably
because the distilled water, used in staining, was not sufficiently on the alkaline side - pH 7.2
is optimum, and below 7.0 is very unsuitable — and the diagnostic Schiiffner's dots are then unstained),
and P. ovale for P. vivax.
It may be noted that prophylactic drugs are only fully effective against P. falciparum (and
then only against drug-sensitive strains) the other infections are likely to relapse after long
intervals. The epidemiology and nature of the disease varies so much from region to region that it
is unwise to be dogmatic about methods of prophylaxis or treatment and local information should
be sought wherever practicable.
(Contributed by Professor P.C.C. Garnham and Mr. P.G. Shute,
Malaria Reference Centre, Horton Hospital, Epsom, Surrey).
Reference: Woodruff, A.W. and Dickinson, C.J. (1968) Brit. med. J. 3, 3."
The response from shipping companies was encouraging. The Chief Medical Officer of the
British Shipping Federation Ltd. was kept informed of the action taken and of the replies received.
SECTION XI
MEASURES TAKEN AGAINST SHIPS INFECTED OR SUSPECTED FOR PLAGUE
No ships infected with plague arrived during the year (one suspected case occurred in 1970).
The Fourth Schedule to the Public Health (Ships) Regulations, 1970, reads as follows:—
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