DISEASE GERMS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17288, 2 October 1916, Page 10

DISEASE GERMS.

TETANUS, TUBERCULOSIS AND

LEPROSY

DR FOSTER'S ADDRESS. Dr A. Foster gavo tho second of his lectures on "Germs and Bacteria" at the Workers' Educational Association's rooms on Saturday evening. There was a good attendance. In an interesting, non-technical manner Dr Foster described the respective peculiarities of germs responsible for diphtheria, tetanus, tuberculosis, leprosy and scarlet fever, and in the course of his remarks said that tetanus, or lockjaw, was rarely found in Christchurch, tho cases averaging about one in every two or three years. Tho tetanus germ was found in the soil aud apparently served somo purpose of naturo on tho soil. The richer the soil in manure tho greater tho number or tetanus genua present. These were very hardy germs, and could withstand being boiled, 'lucre iiad been a large numoer of tetanus cases at the front in cortain parts of 1' ranee, and the causo of thai was the largo amount of manure placed on the small farms there, Tho tetanus germ could not live in the air, and many cures had been effected by keeping the wounds of patients exposed to the air. The number ot cases umong tho soldiers in Franco had now been considerably reduced, and that formed a good example of being ablo to check a disease by knowing how to deal with tho germ responsible for it.

Regarding the germ responsible for tuberculosis or caries, Dr Foster said that all caries, or rotting, were duo to this germ, which had been one of tho first to be scientifically recognised. Owing to its waxy nature and acid-proof qualities it could bo easily dyed uud traced. This germ did not exist apart from a body, whereas the tetanus and diphtheria germs could exist in the soil. For instnnce, in Sydney, following heavy rains and warm sunshine, it was customary to find an epidemic of soro throats, or diphtheria cases, to break out. which proved that the germs could live in tho soil and under certain atmospheric conditions become active. The tubercle germ that attacked cattle was the same that attacked human beings, but there were two kinds of gerniß responsible for consumption. The species that attacked children usually attacked their glands, or bones, and rarely did young children get genuine consumption, that was tuberculosis of the lungs. About three out of every four persons had some tubercle in their bodies, and it was really surprising that tho number of consumptive patients was not greater than it is. The deaths from the disease were relatively small, considering the number of people with tubercle. It was possible for these germs to live in a man for twenty or thirty years, without him knowing that he was afflicted, as only under certain conditions would the germs develop and cause lung disease. If treated sufficiently early the disease could be checked. Genuine consumption was rarely met with in children under sixteen years of age.

Leprosy, explained the lecturer, was caused by a germ which might be regarded as the twin brother to consumption. It was not definitely known how the disease was transferred from one person to another. Nations which eat a lot of salt fish such as the Norwegians and the Swedes were much subject to leprosy. Dr Foster also spoke on the scarlet fever epidemic, and his address is published in another column. At the close of his address he was accorded a-hearty vote of thanks.