DISEASE TESTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23085, 9 July 1938, Page 19

DISEASE TESTS

TUBERCULAR INCIDENCE TRACING ITS DEVELOPMENT SURVEYS AMONG NATIVES WORK OF AMERICAN DOCTOR Tuberculosis cliiims fewer victims among tho Kng!isli-spcaking ])coplcs of the world than among other races, according to Dr. 1). 0. N. iiindbcrg, of Illinois, who was a through passenger by tlie Monterey from San Francisco yesterday. He attributed the fact that New Zealand's death rate from tuberculosis was the lowest in the world, with Australia and America next, to high standards of living and the absence of many populous centres. Dr. Lindberg is tho medical director and superintendent of Macon County Tuberculosis Sanatarium, Decatur, Illinois. He is going to Sydney at the invitation of tho New South Wales tuberculosis authorities to conduct tests for tho disease through a new method, in which he specialises. En route he left materials and data with the health authorities at Pago Pago lor to be made on natives in time for his return there by the ship. The tests will bo applied 72 hours before tho ship's arrival

The tuberculin test, as it is known, consists of r> strip of adhesive, containing a drop of old tuberculin on a layer of gauze. It is placed directly against the skin for 4S hours, and small blisters signify positive contact. X-ray films have been made of the method, surveying the fight of healthy population against tuberculosis, and X-ray laboratories have been established in America for the purpose of standardising the survey work of detecting tuberculosis in its earliest manifestations, well in advance of outward symptoms being given. "No community js progressive where tuberculosis is rife," said Dr. Lindberg. "Included in our programme to eradicate the disease are regular X-ray surveys on groups of healthy people, such as pupils in high schools and colleges. Seven such contacts are made annually, and I am happy to say our teachers are being passed free from the trouble. It has been found that economic standards have much to do with the development of disease, and that there is something in tho progress of civilisation that retards it.' Dr. Lindberg said he examined the natives of Pago Pago by other methods 13 years ago. In addition to indicating the incidence of tuberculosis among the natives, the present tests would also determine the feasibility of the contact test under tropical conditions. He hoped to have 1000 tests to interpret when he returned to Pago Pago. He also intended to do some work along these lines in Sydney, although his timo would be limited, and he said ho regretted that the time factor completely prevented his making any kind of a study in New Zealand at present.