VACCINES IN TREATMENT OF DISEASE 281 



ture becomes normal and then continued at in- 

 tervals of 3 to 5 days to prevent relapse. 



Prophylaxis The prophylactic use of Pneu- 

 mococcus Vaccine has been given a decided im- 

 petus by the series of experiments carried out 

 by Sir A. E. Wright. In recent years, there has 

 arisen in South Africa among the natives em- 

 ployed in the mining district, a severe type of 

 pneumonia with a high death rate. In attempt- 

 ing to combat this condition, Wright has had the 

 opportunity to test on a very large scale the 

 value of prophylactic Pneumococcus Vaccine. 

 After considerable experimentation, the admin- 

 istration of a single large dose containing 1,000 

 million bacteria was found to be the best way 

 in which to give the vaccine. In his report, 

 Wright thinks that the prophylactic vaccine was 

 effective in reducing the incidence of pneumonia 

 among the natives during the first three months 

 following inoculation. 



In the treatment of pneumonia, especially 

 cases exhibiting extreme intoxication with low- 

 ered vitality of the patient, Antipneumococcus 

 Serum given intravenously or subcutaneously 

 will induce more rapid and favorable results 

 than vaccine therapy. 



