SÉANCE DU 16 NOVEMBRE 1001 



constant. There is not m vitro antagonism between the two microbes. 

 How should then be explained the action of the staphylococci? 



It has already been brought to notice that the staphylococci appear 

 in the throat when the diphtheric colonies become less numerous. 



Could we not say that when the staphylococci appear Ihis proves 

 that the sécrétions from the bucco-pharyngeal glands favorise the 

 development of the latter microbe and are contrary to the diphtheric 

 bacilli. Starting from this basis a study should be made of the drugs 

 which modify the sécrétions, make them more acid, or more alkaline ; 

 the problem is so interesting Ihat we made this hypothesis to provoke 

 new researches. 



PROPHYLA.XIS OF DIPHTHERIA. 



The détection of diphtheric germ carriers to protect collectivities 

 has been carried ont since a long time. As early as 1894, Hutinel (1) 

 has established this means of protection and before the war the French 

 hygienists and military doctors had studied thoroughly the use of this 

 method which can be summed up as follows; detect and isolate the 

 carriers. 



To give the best results tliis détection must be associated with other 

 prophylactic methods. 



It must not be forgotten that the most important thing of ail is the 

 isolation of the patient. The patient is the most dangerous carrier. 

 He is the principal cause of every epidemy. 



When a case of diphtheria breaks out in a collectivity the physician 

 must immediately make an investigation, examine and keep'an eye on 

 the neighbours of the patient, isolate them if they présent bucco-pha- 

 ryngeal lésions and if necessary give them an injection of sérum. 



It would be a great mistake to wait for the bacteriologist before 

 taking any steps, which ought to be done immediately after the first case. 



Disinfection is indispensable after a fîrst case of diphtheria, and 

 still more it is necessary when there are several cases in a collec- 

 tivity; for the isolation of the carriers would not prevent new con- 

 tagions. 



Finally, préventive injections whould be performed, especially when 

 the épidémies are very severe, in which case the disease has a very 

 rapid évolution. Let us mention the case of diphtheria appearing in 

 hospital wards in subjects very much depressed, or with typhoid, grip 

 and gas. 



The rational use of ail thèse known prophylactic measures wili 

 surely stop any épidémie source. 



(1) Congress of Budapest, 1894. 



