Scarlatina Immunity In Hong Kong

Abstract

1. In Hong Kong, where scarlet fever is extremely rare, the Dick reactions of a random sample of 921 Chinese were ascertained. Positive reactions were obtained in 19·1 per cent. The distribution of positive reactors in different age groups is recorded; it bears a general similarity to those recorded by various observers in Europe and the U.S.A.2. A haemolytic streptococcal carrier rate of 6·6 per cent, was determined by nasopharyngeal swabbing of 1600 Hong Kong Chinese. The frequency of haemolytic streptococci was higher during the cooler months of the year and among the younger age groups.3. Erythrogenic toxin production and fibrinolytic activity were demonstrated in a number of the strains of streptococci isolated from apparently normal throats.4. The significance of these findings is discussed.

Neonatal Bact. coli Meningitis

“…Some previous cases have been reported in which the same organism was found in the maternal urine and lochia as was found in the child's cerebrospinal fluid (Jahkola, 1935 ;Trillat and Notter, 1939;Davis and Fernando, 1935).…”

Schick and Dick reactions in different classes of the community

“…He obtained only 10 6/% of reactors in all of his tests. Davis, Guzdar & Fernando (1935) state that in Hong-Kong scarlet fever is very rare, but the number of reactors falls with age as in Europe. Amongst children of 1 and 4 years 70 % gave a positive reaction, while amongst persons about 40 years of age only 6 % gave a positive reaction.…”