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186
1907]
BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS.
During 1907 as many as 471 specimens were examined for the purpose of
diagnosing Diphtheria, Enteric Fever or Phthisis for the medical profession
practising in Islington.
This is the largest number that has hitherto been sent to the Lister
Institute, which undertakes examinations for the Council.
Of this number 223 were specimens of membrane or sputum from the
throats of suspected diphtheritic persons, 59 were specimens of the blood of
persons suspected to be suffering from Enteric Fever, and 189 were sputa
obtained from persons suspected to be suffering from Phthisis.
Diphtheria.—223 specimens of membrane were examined, of which 88,
or 39.4 per cent., gave positive results.
This is the largest number of specimens that has hitherto been examined
in the Borough. In the preceding year 167 were received.
Enteric Fever. Of the 59 specimens of blood submitted to the Widal
test, 25, or 42.3 per cent., indicated that the patients were suffering from
Enteric Fever.
Phthisis.—189 examinations were made of the sputum of persons
suspected to be suffering from Pulmonary Tuberculosis, and of these 68, or
36.0 per cent., were found to contain the bacilli of pulmonary consumption.
The examinations of the year bring up the total number that have been
made since 1898 for the Madical Profession to 3,129, of which 1,226 were for
the purpose of diagnosing Diphtheria, 721 for Enteric Fever and 1,182 for
Phthisis.