INCREASE IN CERTAIN DISEASES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3197, 23 June 1915, Page 9

INCREASE IN CERTAIN DISEASES.

REPORT BY DR CHAMPTALOUP

Tire following is a report by Dr Champtaloup, received at the meeting of the Otago University Council yesterday afternoon, dealing with an increase in certain diseases:—

“Please receive herewith report of the general work of this laboratory, exclusive of that connected with University classes, for the year ending December 31. During the year 1682 actual specimens were examined and reported on, the bulk of the reports being for the Dunedin Hospital and the Public Health Department. No less than 689 specimens of sputum were examined, in 132 of which the tubercle bacillus was found; 263_ throat swabs were examined for diphtheria, and in 86 the diphtheria, bacillus ..was found; 80 specimens of blood were examined for the Widal test for typhoid, and 14 were positive. It is with regret that I record the apparent increase in venereal disease in the Otago district. Out of 57 _ examinations for this disease 25 were positive, a very marked increase when compared with the results or three or four years ago. Another matter which must cause us some concern is a considerable increase in tubercular diseases of the kidneys and bladder, for out of 47 specimens of urine examined for the presence of this bacillus 26 were positive, whereas in 1912 only three positive specimens were found. In one respect we have boon able to save the Hospital Board in the district a considerable sum of money by preparing large quantities of stock bacterial vaccines which had hitherto been purchased by the board from outside sources.”