NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
104
which they contain. He attributes the destruction of microbes, partly
to the action of phagocytes, and partly to the bactericidal action of the
humors. He has observed that the bacillus inoculated into a well vacci-
nated sheep provokes œdema without diapedesis, and that it is destroyed
for the most part at the seat of inoculation where the œdema exists. He
believes that immunity is not conferred unless vaccinal fever is produced
by the inoculations, during which the microbes or their secretions enter
the blood and organs. Perroncito thinks that the most resistant virus is
destroyed rapidly in the tissues of the vaccinated animal. Wissokovicz
believes, as do also Chamberland and Roux, that vaccination is the result
of the action of soluble products of the organism; he believes that the
germs of vaccine material do not propagate in the body, and that
they are destroyed, not by the leucocytes, but by the fixed cells. Lub-
arsch has not observed the general dissemination of the bacilli in the
body in two sheep vaccinated by the subcutaneous inoculation.
Is immunity due to a general dissemination of the vaccine in the
body? It appears, according to certain works, that the vaccines do not
propagate, and that vaccination is due to products manufactured on the
spot by the microbes or introduced with them. In studying this ques-
tion, Metchnikoff has arrived at the conclusions which follow: "The
bacilli of the charbon vaccine produce their effect by cultivating at the
point of inoculation without necessarily becoming disseminated through-
out the organism; only exceptionally do they penetrate, and then only in
very small quantity into the organs, so that this penetration does not
play an important part in the protection of the animal. The humors of
vaccinated animals, deprived of their cells do not contain products harm-
ful to the development of the bacilli. The destruction of the bacilli takes
place at the point of inoculation, and is brought about by the activity of
micro and macro-phagocytes, especially the leucocytes. Vaccination
doubtless consists in the cellular elements becoming accustomed to the
toxic products of the bacilli. This latter conclusion is based on the fact
that in the vaccinated animal, vaccines and virus develop normally in the
aqueous humor deprived of cells, whilst they are destroyed in the organ-
ism where they are accessible to the action of the cells.
He finds that in sheep, the two vaccines provoke local phenomena
and produce their effects by reason of their local culture, that the bacilli
do not multiply in the organism, but are destroyed by the cellular ele-
ments and more particularly the leucocytes, that the results of the
experiments made on rabbits accord in general with those which occur in
the sheep, that the microbes of the first vaccine introduced into the
blood do not multiply, that those of the second vaccine introduced under
the skin rarely penetrate outside of the seat of inoculation.
When we inoculate the bacillus into a non-vaccinated and into a
105
vaccinated rabbit and a dog, we observe that in the non-protected rabbit
the bacilli multiply, determine an œdema, tumefaction of the ganglia,
general disturbance and death; in the vaccinated rabbit and the dog the
bacillus also multiplies at the seat of inoculation, determines an oedema
richer in leucocytes and is destroyed without becoming generally dissemi-
nated.
Diagnosis.—It is of the highest importance to be able to diagnose
cases of charbon with promptitude and certainty from the triple point
of view of treatment, prophylaxy and sanitary police, hygiene and
public health. It is in reality by appropriate and early measures that
we must endeavour to avoid the dangers of the disease, limit its ravages,
hinder its transmission to animals and man, facilitate recovery at least
in man and some animals. For the promptitude of an enlightened and
appropriate intervention depends upon the celerity and certainty of the
diagnosis.
The diagnosis of charbon is sometimes surrounded by serious diffi-
culties, more particularly when we have to deal with isolated cases, and
when we have only the assistance of symptoms and macroscopic lesions
which are, in the majority of cases, little pathognomonic, and which
besides differ according to the species of animals and to individual pecu-
liarities. It becomes possible, and even relatively easy, when we know
the mode of appearance and the ensemble of conditions which has
governed the apparition of the disease, its course, evolution, symptoms,
termination and lesions; when we are aware that similar cases have
already occurred during the year or in preceding years; when we
know that soiled fields and pastures are in the vicinity, and that the
animals have frequented places where charbonous cadavers have been
previously interred, etc., etc.
It is therefore indicated to hold a veritable inquest when we sus-
pect the existence of charbon; to gain as good a knowledge as may be
of the previous history of the case, and to adduce all the evidence which
may be forthcoming to lead us to a correct diagnosis.
The diseases with which charbon may be confounded vary with the
species of animal; hog cholera, pneumo-enteritis in the pig; typhoid
fever, gastro-enteritis, etc., in the horse, etc., etc. But it would be super-
fluous to enumerate them here and to draw parallels between them and
charbon, when we have certain means of diagnosis at our disposition
by which the latter disease may be recognized. In short, by bacterio-
logical examination, inoculation, and culture any one may at the present
day dismiss uncertainty and establish an absolutely certain diagnosis
when these means are properly and opportunely employed before the trans-
formation of: the rods and the disappearance of virulence.
Microbiological examination at a suitable degree of magnification,
carried out according to the precited rules, enables us to make an
I
106
absolutely certain diagnosis, when we are enabled to find in the blood
of the sick animal, in the ganglia, spleen, liver, kidneys, etc., of the
cadaver, or in the meat the existence of immobile rods, straight or bent,
cylindrical, in one, two or three segments, etc., when the blood globules
are agglutined in irregular masses, separated by spaces in which bacilli
are present, etc.
We have already seen the various means of proceeding in the bac-
teriological examination, with or without a clearing re-agent, such as
acetic acid or formic acid, with or without staining. When we have
to deal with an animal still living, we may make preparations of blood,
or with the product of œdema, etc., obtained by a puncture, and also
with the blood of hæmorrhages, etc., we may examine drops of blood
or sanguinolent material, which may be colored between cover-glass and
slide or dried, cleared, and then colored either on cover-glasses or slides.
Sometimes when the disease is not sufficiently advanced, bacteriological
examination does not give a certain diagnosis; the blood obtained by
punctures or by bleeding may not contain any rods, either because the
bacilli have not invaded the mass of the blood or because they are so few
in it that they pass unperceived on account of their small number, and
the small amount of material examined. In such cases it is necessary to
make successive and repeated examinations. When we can perceive no
bacilli, we must not base our diagnosis on the crenated or the starred
condition of the blood corpuscles which may be absent in charbon and
present in other diseases.
When we have to decide by a post-mortem examination the thing
is easier, because the bacilli are more numerous, and consequently more
easily discovered; and because, in addition to the blood, we are able to
examine the product of the lesions and the pulp of organs reputed
richest in bacilli. We make preparations of the blood, exudation,
hæmorrhages, spots, ecchymoses, the products flowing from the cut
surfaces of organs, as the spleen, ganglia, lung, liver, kidneys, etc.; or
on the mucous membrances of the stomach, intestines, etc. We can
proceed with the examination on the spot and, if a first examination is
absolutely significant, it will be sufficient, whilst if it be negative, we
may make others of the various organs and tissue, nervous centres
and the like, when we have reason to believe that there has been special
localization of the disease.
When the examination cannot be made on the spot, or when unable
to make it later, the material should be sent to a competent person for
examination, and special precautions have to be taken. We may proceed
in various ways: we may make cover-glass preparations which may be
examined later on, or sent away for the purpose; we may collect blood
in a vessel or in capillary tubes, or in sterilized glass pipettes, filling the
107
glasses and taking care to prevent the blood being soiled with other
matters or germs, sealing the ends of tubes or pipettes with the lamp,
when they may be kept or sent for examination, serving for prepara-
tions, cultures, or inoculation; we can also enclose a portion of a vessel
between two ligatures for the same purpose: we may take blood clots,
fragments of organs, liver, spleen, kidneys, etc., and even place them
in glycerine, alcohol, etc., and send to the persons charged with their
examination, etc., etc. However, we must never forget to make these
preparations, as soon as possible after death; the autopsy should be
performed as soon as possible after death, as charbonous cadavers rapidly
putrefy, and in carcasses undergoing putrefaction more or less advanced
the bacteria may be found mixed with putrefactive septic germs, or they
may be destroyed, transformed into spores in products where they have
been in contact with the air, and bacteriological examination practised
under these conditions gives an uncertain result.
The diagnosis of charbon becomes particularly important in the in-
spection of meat destined for the alimentation of man. The sanitary
law forbidding the consumption of charbonous meat is a very just one,
since it is attended with double dangers, being dangerous to manipulate
and liable to transmit malignant pustule to man; dangerous when in-
gested, for when insufficiently or even passably cooked, it may cause
charbon if spores have been formed in it. Cases of transmission to man
by the manipulation of cadavers, meat, or charbonous debris are not rare.
On the other hand, it is averred that the juice of charbonous meat in-
completely cooked is inoculable (Boutet), and that charbon may result
from eating such. Internal charbon without external manifestation has
been observed occasionally in men who have ingested charbonous meat.
Lorenz, in August 1884, observed three cases of death in persons who had
eaten the incompletely cooked meat of a charbonous cow at Lauter-
bourg. At Naschevo, near Wreschen, more than twenty persons fell ill
after eating the meat of a charbonous cow.
Treatment curative.—One fact has been evolved from a number
of experiments which have been made regarding the vitality of the virus
of this disease, which may serve as a basis for the plan of campaign,
and that is that certain drugs, notably corrosive sublimate, 1 per
mille, suffices to kill the spores by simply wetting them with it.
These tests were however made by simply inoculating them into nutrient
media, which have been treated with the antiseptic. Klien has found
that if, in place of inoculating into a nutrient medium of this nature, the
spores are introduced into the circulating blood of an animal, it requires
much longer exposure and much stronger solutions to hinder the develop-
ment of spores into bacilli, and prevent the production of anthrax.
We know, however, that anthrax bacilli, as opposed to the spores are
108
much more easily killed, they being destroyed by two minutes' exposure
to a one per cent. solution of carbolic acid in water, whilst the spores
remain alive under similar circumstances for a week or longer.
Taking these facts into consideration, it would appear to be futile to
attempt to destroy the spores of the disease which have been introduced
into the system of an animal, but it should not, I think, be presumed that
nothing can be done to tide the animal over an attack of a moderate
intensity. Taking advantage of our knowledge of the peculiarities
of the different forms of the organism, we may perhaps accomplish
something towards recovery. We know that spores are not developed in
the organism of an animal suffering from the disease, but only rods. If,
therefore, we are able to so interfere with the rods as to prevent their
development and functions, we can overcome the disease, for we have no
second crop of spores to deal with. If we cannot introduce those agents
which from experiment have been found to have a lethal action upon the
spores in sufficient quantity, we can at least endeavour by their adminis-
tration to somewhat impede their development into bacilli, and
to exercise such action upon the bacilli when formed as either to
destroy them or at all events so interfere with their ordinary functions,
development and growth as to prevent their inducing a mortal form
of the malady; but in order to bring about this much to be desired
result, it is necessary that we may have the earliest possible intimation
of an impending attack, and I may here say that in the severer forms of
the disease these measures are of little avail. It is only during the
course of an outbreak in a regiment or battery, for instance, that we
have the means and opportunities of applying the principles set forth.
Under the circumstances attendant on outbreaks of this disease in regi-
ments, etc., we are able by watchfulness and careful thermometric obser-
vations to decide by logical inference whether it be advisable to subject
an animal to antiseptic treatment before the appearance of diagnostic
symptoms of anthrax, and in certain cases I am of opinion that
such a proceeding is perfectly justifiable. No harm, or an infinite
small amount, is done by this proceeding; and in the event of the
inferences proving to be correct, we have at least gained an amount of
time which is most valuable, the importance of which in fact can scarcely
be over-estimated. We are not, as a general rule, long left in doubt as to
the nature of the malady with which we have to deal, and if after a
reasonable time symptoms definitely stamping the disease as anthrax
have not shown themselves, we can discontinue our treatment and
proceed in the manner indicated by the nature of the disease which has
developed.
I am aware that the views here set forth will be condemned by many
as empirical, but when it is considered that if we await the development
109
of the pathognomonic signs, the disease has arrived at a stage when
curative measures are of little avail in a great majority of cases, they
would appear to be worthy of some slight consideration. In further
support of this line of argument another point may be brought forward,
and that is the action of strong sunlight upon the spores. We are told
that the action of this physical agent upon the spores is such that "it
appears to be fatal, or at any rate injurious to them; it appears to
deprive them in whole or in part of their powers of further development
in a most remarkable manner, always causing distinct attenuation of
their pathogenic virulence before completely destroying them." On
perusal of this statement it is brought forcibly before us that the
conditions in India must in many cases lead to this attenuation of
the virus, and thus a series of very much milder outbreaks of the
disease result than is the case in some other countries. The fact
that such a result is brought about has been impressed upon me
during the course of my acquaintance with the disease in this country.
I have had the opportunity of dealing with outbreaks in which the
percentages of deaths have been so low as to lead to the supposition
that the disease was not anthrax at all, and this despite the fact that
at the commencement of the outbreak typical cases of a severe type,
proving rapidly fatal, have occurred. It is in these outbreaks that
the mode of treatment advocated has, I am assured, been the means
of rescuing many horses from death.
The method adopted may be briefly noted. During an outbreak
of anthrax horses of a troop or troops in which cases have occurred
are carefully watched, and temperatures are recorded at least thrice
daily. Animals suddenly showing a rise of temperature of some
degrees are at once removed as suspects, and precautions as regards
isolation are taken. They are at once subjected to an antiseptic
treatment, which is so applied that average and frequently repeated
doses of an antiseptic agent are administered, so as to ensure a conti-
nuous absorption of the drug and keep the system so far charged
with it as is allowable. The choice of the antiseptic agent used may
be left to the individual selection from the large numbers of these
agents which are known. Under this system of treatment I have
observed that the diagnostic symptoms of the disease, as we know
it in India, have been slowly developed, and have been of far less inten-
sity than in cases treated otherwise or not treated at all. The disease
appears, in point of fact, to be more under control and to be of much
shorter duration than under other circumstances.
This appears, then, to be the direction in which it is advisable to
work, and it must be left to the practitioner to adopt the treatment
which he considers most necessary to combat symptoms.
G. I. C. P. O.-No. 19 I. G. C. V. D.-25-7-94.-200.
CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT
LEDGER SERIES No. III.
MAIN HEAD
SUB-HEAD
. STOCK DISEASE.
. CONTAGIOUS DISEASE.
SUBJECT:
CHARBON SYMPTOMATIQUE OF THE OX.
1894.
CALCUTTA:
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF GOVERNMENT PRINTING, INDIA,
1894.
CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT
LEDGER SERIES No. III.
MAIN HEAD .
SUB-HEAD
. STOCK DISEASE.
. CONTAGIOUS DISEASE.
SUBJECT :
CHARBON SYMPTOMATIQUE OF THE OX.
1894.
CALCUTTA:
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF GOVERNMENT PRINTING, INDIA.
1894.
PREFACE.
T HE following article is a brief résumé of the facts
connected with this disease. The following works have
been consulted. Galtier's "Maladies contagieuses;" Arloing
Cornevin and Thomas "Le charbon symptomatique du bœuf;"
Williams "Veterinary medicine;" "Recueil de médicine
vétérinaire;" "Journal de médicine vétérinaire and de
Zootechnie;" Le repértoire de Police Sanitaire Vétérinaire
and d'hygiene "Veterinarian," etc.
The reports which reach us from districts make no dis-
tinction between this disease and anthrax, and the conse-
quence is extreme confusion. I am directed to ask that
the two diseases be classified separately in future. In other
countries more than half the charbonous diseases fall under
the head of Charbon Symptomatique, and there is every
reason to believe that this is the case in this country also.
Information respecting the disease should be given as
opportunities occur.
HENRY T. PEASE, F.R.G.S., A.V.D.,
Asst. to the Inspector-General,
Civil Veterinary Dept.
MEERUT, 1894.
CHARBON SYMPTOMATIQUE.
Nomenclature.—Charbon Symptomatique; Charbon bacterien;
Emphysematous Charbon; Chabert's disease; Quarter ill; Black leg;
Black quarter; Quarter evil; Strike; etc. etc.
Information is required under this head. The native names should be
written in the character, and the English transliteration according to
Hunterian system.
Definition and General Considerations.—Symptomatic or emphy-
sematous charbon is a disease which has for many years been confound-
ed with anthrax, and it is only a few years since it was shown to be an
entirely separate disorder.
It differs essentially from charbonous
fever; and the difference of the nature of the two affections were fore-
seen and suspected by MM. Boulet-Josse, Vernant, Perroncito, Boll-
inger and Feser. The two latter scientists undertook a series of experi-
ments in 1876-78 to establish the different nature of the two diseases,
but it was reserved to MM. Arloing, Cornevin and Thomas to complete
the study of the disease in a series of experiments carried out during the
years 1879—1884. These observers have not only definitely distin-
guished the disease, but have also discovered its intimate cause, its
pathogeny, etc.; they have observed that it does not recur; and have
established methods of conferring immunity from it.
Charbon Symptomatique is an infectious, microbian disease, deter-
mined by a special anærobic, micro organism, and chiefly characterized
by a hot, painful, then emphysematous and crepitant tumor which
occurs in the muscular system.
Geographical distribution.—Information under this head as re-
gards India and Burma is urgently required. Almost all the records
to which we have had access contain statistics showing great numbers
of deaths from Anthrax, but deaths from Charbon Symptomatique do
not appear in them. We have reason to believe that very great annual
loss of cattle from the malady occurs, and that probably a large percent-
A
2
age of the deaths attributed to Anthrax should be credited to this dis-
order.
The disease is common in Europe, Africa, America and Asia, in
both hot and cold countries. It has been observed in North America
United States, Central America, South America, Chili, India, South
Africa, Algeria. In Europe it is more particularly prevalent in Swit-
zerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Holland, and Eng-
-and. In France it is more or less general. It is not so common in
Scotland as in England (Williams). It is prevalent at all seasons, but
more particularly at the end of spring, in the summer, and at the begin-
ning of Autumn; June, July, August and September are the worst
months in France, Italy and Switzerland.
Information as to the season at which it is most prevalent in the
various parts of India is required. It is more frequently seen in bovines
than is anthrax.
It chiefly attacks young cattle, between the ages of six months and
four or five years, and is most fatal in those which have rapidly come into
condition. The greatest mortality occurs in animals aged between one
and three years. Although sheep are not refractory, cases of the sponta-
neous disease are seldom seen amongst them.
Relative frequence of Charbon Symptomatique and Anthrax.—
Hess has classified reports showing the following :—
First July to 31st December 1882.—Out of 286 cases of death
from charbonous disease, 274 cases were due to Charbon
Symptomatique and 15 to Anthrax.
From the 1st January to 31st December 1883.—Out of 721 deaths
642 were due to Charbon Symptomatique and 79 to Anthrax.
Arloing, Cornevin and Thomas state that there can be no
doubt that Charbon Symptomatique is by far more common
amongst bovines than is Anthrax.
Symptoms of Charbon Symptomatique.—The disease attacks
more especially animals between the ages of six months and four years,
but not exclusively these. M. Hess gives the following analysis of 989
cases observed by him :—
374 cases in animals aged between 6 and 12 months.
439
„
„
„
„
1 and 2 years.
83
„
„
„
„
2 and 3 „
65
„
„
„
„
3 and 4 „
10
„
„
„
„
4 and 5 „
18
„
„
„
„
5 and 6 „
With regard to the invasion of young animals by Charbon Symp-
tomatique, M. Detroye quoted by Trasbot says: " The following observa-