NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
THE PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF LEUCOCYTIC BLOOD
PICTURE IN TUBERCULOUS CATTLE
By A. F. HATHOOT, A. H. GOBBA, and I. H. MOUSTAFA, Animal Breeding
Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
(Received for publication on February 14, 1955)
F OR the diagnosis and prognosis of tuberculosis, close co-operation is necessary
to correlate the blood changes with the clinical findings. For prognostic pur-
poses the sedimentation rate, the schilling haemogram, and to a less extent a careful
analysis of the leucocytic count are of major value.
Strohle [1950] concludes that tuberculosis in cattle does not appear to influence
the sedimentation rate. Muller [1943] reviews all aspects of the blood changes which
may be found in human tuberculosis. Thijn [1949] concludes that the morphological
blood test may be of great help in finding animals having active tuberculosis.
The tuberculin test gives no information about the activity of the focus [Topley
and Wilson, 1949]. A positive reaction does not distinguish between infection and
clinical disease. So our attention is drawn to the leucocytic changes in blood
hoping to find a significant aid in judging such tuberculous cases.
EXPERIMENTAL
Prior to the tuberculin test, samples of blood were taken for examination from
cows and bulls belonging to the Faculty of Agriculture, Giza. 10 ml. of
blood was drawn from the jugular vein into a sterile receptacle containing 20 mg.
sodium floride as an anticoagulant. The haematological examination was carried
out at once. Neubauer haemacytometer was used for white cell count. Smears
prepared by ' slide and cover method' and stained by the panoptic method of
Pappenhein adopted by Piney [1931] were examined for differential leucocytic count,
schilling haemogram, arneth index as modified by Cooke, and monocyte/lymphocyte
ratio.
The intradermal tuberculin test was performed on the animals under investigation.
Twenty-five tuberculin-negative and apparently healthy animals were considered to
represent their normal haemogram. Some of the positives were slaughtered at the
abattoir ; ten of them showed pulmonary lesions and were tabulated under group I
and eight were found to be affected by generalized tuberculosis ; these were tabu-
lated under group II. Koch's bacilli were easily demonstrated in smears taken
from the lesions. The data previously obtained from these positive cases, were
compared with the normal haemogram.
1
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PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF LEUCOCYTIC BLOOD [Vol. XXVI, Part II,
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 1. Tuberculin-Negative
A. The white cell count
In apparently healthy adult animals under discussion the white blood corpuscles
ranged between 6,800 and 14,400 with an average of 10,816 per cu. mm. Delaune
[1939] records an average of 10,225 w.b.c. per cu. mm. for adult animals between the
age of 3 and 6.5 years. Storch [1901] records 15,739 w.b.c. per cu. mm. for calves,
11,614 w.b.c. per cu. mm. for young cattle, and 8,241 w.b.c. per cu. mm. for cows.
TABLE I
Apparently healthy tuberculin-negative adult cows and bulls (total and differential
Leucocytic count)
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Maximum
Minimum
Average
W.B.C.
7.200
11.000
7.400
10.800
11.000
6.800
14.200
9.00
11.600
9.00
14.000
9.400
12.200
11.600
12.000
8.800
9.400
8.200
13.800
9.600
13.200
12.000
12.000
11.800
14.400
14.400
6.800
10.816
Young
Neutr.
band
2.5
1.5
4
8
3
2
4
5
3.5
5.5
1.5
3
6
3
2.5
4
3.5
5.5
4
2.5
6.5
7
6
5
4
8
1.5
4.16
mature
24
17.5
16
32
16
16
22
19
22.5
22.5
18
25
23
17.5
22.5
17.5
28.5
21
21
22
24
23
33
26
19.5
33
16
21.88
Total
26.5
19
20
40
19
18
26
24
26
28
19.5
28
29
20.5
25
21.5
32
26.5
25
24.5
30.5
30
39
31
23.5
40
17.5
26.63
Eos.
0.5
5.0
1
0
5
5
1
5
3
0
5.5
4
1.5
0.5
2
5.5
8
2
4
2
6
4
8
4
9.5
9.5
0
3.68
Bas.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.5
2
0
0
0
0.5
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0.12
Lym.
65.5
71.5
67
52
70
70
67
66
70
70
72.5
66
68.5
76
67
67.5
53
66
66
68
56.5
63
47.5
62
60
76
47.5
64.7
Mon.
6.5
4.5
4
8
6
7
4
5
1
2
2.5
2
1
2.5
4
5.5
7
3.5
4.5
5.5
7
3
5.5
3
7
8
1
4.46
June, 1956] A. F. HATHOOT, A. H. GOBBA, I. H. MOUSTAFA 3
B. Differential leucocytic count
The neutrophiles ranged between 17.5 per cent and 40.0 per cent with an average
of 26.63 per cent, while the lymphocytes gave a maximum of 76 per cent, a minimum
of 47.5 per cent and an average of 64.7 per cent. It is clear that the lymphocytes
always outnumber the neutrophiles in the normal blood picture. The eosimophiles
ranged from zero to 9.5 per cent with an average of 3.68 per cent. The basophiles
were not demonstrated in majority of the cases under discussion with the exception
of cases No. 14, 15 and 19 which gave 0.5 per cent, 2 per cent, and 0.5 per cent
respectively. The monocytes ranged from 1 per cent for the minimum to 8 per cent
for the maximum, with an average of 4.46 per cent.
It is interesting to record some of the findings reported by different investigator
for purpose of comparison.
Author
Dimmock and Thompson
(U.S.A.)
Kohanwa (Berlin)
Fraser (England)
Findings in this work
Animals
Adult
Cattle
do.
do.
do.
Neutro
13-45.8
(30.4)
27.9-40.4
(33)
16.2-56.4
(28.4)
17.5-40
(26.63)
Eosin.
3.8-26.6
(13.15)
6.1-16.8
(10.9)
1.2-25.4
(9.9)
0.9-5
(3.68)
Bas.
1-1.2
(0.59)
0-0.3
(0.1)
0-1.4
(0.1)
0-2
(0.12)
Lymph.
31.76
(54.2)
44.6-56.4
(51.7)
29-76.4
(54.7)
47.5-76
(64.7)
Mono.
0.2-3.3
(1.4) per cent
22-6.2
(4.3) per cent
1.8-18.2
(6.7) per cent
1-8
(4.46) per cent
N.B. The figures in the statement show the range while those in the brackets denote averages.
C. Schilling haemogram (Table 1)
Only mature and band forms of neutrophiles were present in the blood ; myelo-
cytes and young forms were not met with. Band forms ranged from 1.5 per cent to
8 per cent with an average of 4.16 per cent while mature forms gave 16 per cent for
the minimum, 33 per cent for the maximum, and 21.78 per cent for the average.
Fraser [1929-30] records the index separately counting the myelocytes, young and
band forms in 100 neutrophiles. For adult cattle he records 0.1 per cent young forms,
3.5 per cent band forms, and 96.3 per cent mature cells.
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PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF LEUCOCYTIC BLOOD [Vol. XXVI, Part II
D. Arneth Index as modified by Cooke (Table II)
In applying the Arneth Index as modified by Cooke to these animals a hundred
neutrophiles were counted and classified accordingly. It is found that the majority
of the cells lie in Classes I and II with a few cells lying in Class III and a very few
or none in classes IV and V as shown in Table II.
TABLE II
Apparently healthy tuberculin-negative cows and bulls (Arneth Index as
modified by Cooke)
Serial No.
coinciding
Table I
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
I
65
38
37
30
33
30
49
27
20
21
37
34
10
34
46
42
53
40
40
20
35
II
36
35
39
50
44
48
30
43
50
37
38
30
36
30
32
28
42
50
43
46
36
III
7
27
17
17
21
16
15
30
30
30
22
30
40
32
16
28
4
10
16
34
25
IV
2
0
5
3
2
6
5
0
0
0
3
5
11
4
5
2
1
1
1
0
4
V
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
3
0
1
3
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
June, 1956] A. F. HATHOOT, A. H. GOBBA, I. H. MOUSTAFA 5
TABLE II—contd.
Apparently healthy tuberculin-negative cows and bulls (Arneth Index as
modified by Cooke)
Serial No.
coinciding
Table I
22
23
24
25
Maximum
Minimum
Average
I
22
8
24
22
35
8
32.68
II
54
38
53
44
54
28
40.48
III
20
40
21
22
40
4
22.8
IV
4
12
2
12
12
0
3.6
V
0
2
0
0
3
0
0.56
Simpson [1929] gives the following for adult cattle
74
76
84
73
73
20
20
14
23
21
6
4
2
3
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
E. Monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (Table III)
The monocyte/lymphocyte ratio ranges between 1 : 6.5 and 1 : 70 with an average
of 1 : 20.4.
Dunlop and Melville [1930] state that in health, the ratio between neutrophiles
and lymphocytes is less than the ratio between lymphocytes and monocytes.
TABLE III
Apparently healthy tuberculin-negative cows and bulls
(the monocyte/lymphocyte ratio)
Serial No.
Coinciding
Table I
1
2
3
W.B.C.
7.200
11.000
7.400
Lym.
(per cent)
65.5
71.5
67
Mon.
6.5
4.5
4
Lym. No.
4716
7865
4958
Mon. No.
468
495
296
M/L ratio
1:100.07
1:15.8
1:16.75
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PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF LEUCOCYTIC BLOOD [Vol. XXVI, Part II,
TABLE III—contd.
Apparently healthy tuberculin-negative cows and bulls
(the monocyte/lymphocyte ratio)
Serial No.
coinciding
Table I
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Maximum
Minimum
Average
W.B.C.
10.800
11.000
6.800
4.200
9.000
11.600
9.000
14.000
9.400
12.200
11.600
12.000
8.800
9.400
8.200
13.800
9.600
13.200
12.000
12.000
11.800
14.400
Lym.
per cent
52
70
70
67
66
70
70
72.5
66
68.5
76
67
67.5
52
66
66
68
56.5
63
47.5
62
60
Mon.
8
6
7
4
5
1
2
2.5
2
1
2.5
4
5.5
7
3.5
4.5
5.5
7
3
5.5
3
7
Lym. No.
5616
7700
4760
2514
5940
8120
6300
10150
5204
8357
8816
8040
5940
4888
5412
9108
6528
7458
7560
5500
7316
8640
Mon. No.
864
660
476
568
450
116
180
350
188
122
290
480
484
658
287
621
528
924
360
660
354
1008
M/L ratio.
1:16.5
1:11.6
1:10
1:17.8
1:13.2
1:70
1:35
1:28.7
1:27.7
1:68.5
1:30.5
1:16.8
1:12.3
1:7.35
1:18.8
1:14.61
1:12.4
1:8.1
1:21.0
1:8.35
1:20.6
1:8.6
1:6.5
1:70.0
1:20.4
June, 1956] A. P. HATHOOT, A. H. GOBBA, I. H. MOUSTAFA 7
II. Tuberculin Positive Cases
A. The white cell count (Table IV)
Group I. Case No. 10 showed slight leucocytosis recording 11,400 per cu. mm.,
while the remaining cases showed numbers fluctuated between 6,200 and 10,200
which was within the normal.
Group II. Four cases (No. 14, 16, 17 and 18) showed slight leucocytosis, the
count was 14,200, 13,800, 16,000 and 15,600 respectively. The count in the
other four cases was within the normal. Medlar and Kastlin [1927] state that
lencocytosis is the rule in cases not showing clinical improvement.
B. The differential count (Table IV)
Group I. The neutrophiles ranged between 10 and 30 per cent which was within
the normal range. The eosinophiles ranged between 2 and 9 per cent which was
within the normal. The basophiles were absent in all cases except case No. 2 which
recorded 2 per cent. The lymphocytes showed an increase in four cases (No. 2, 3,
4 and 10) ; the count was 78, 84, 73 and 73 per cent respectively, the other six cases
showed counts within the normal limit. The monocytes recorded an increase in
six cases (No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9); the count was 7, 7, 6, 5, 6 and 8 per cent respectively,
the other four cases recorded counts within the normal limit.
Group II. The neutrophiles recorded an increase in three cases ; it showed 45,
75, and 41 per cent for No. 11, 17 and 18 respectively. The eosinophiles ranged
from 1 to 10 per cent which was within the normal. The basophiles were totally
absent in all the cases. The lymphocytes showed tendency to decrease where the
neutrophiles were high ; it recorded 38, 16 and 39 per cent for cases No. 11, 17 and
18 respectively. The monocytes showed an increase in all the cases with the excep-
tion of No. 12 which showed 2 per cent, the remaining cases ranged between 5 and
24 per cent.
Piney [1931] states that lymphocytes are present in the early stages of the disease
in cases with good prognosis and that the absence of lympheeytosis, presence of
neutrophilia and occurrence of leucocytosis are all bad signs. In miliary tuberculosis
there is relative and absolute neutrophilia, but the number of leucocytes may be
normally reduced or increased.
C. Schilling Index (Table IV)
Group I. The young forms were totally absent, the band forms ranged between
2.5 and 6 per cent and the mature forms ranged between 7.5 and 24.5 per cent. The
schilling index showed no deviation from the normal in cases of this group.
Group II. The young forms were totally absent in the eight cases under study.
The band forms recorded an increase in all the cases and ranged between 9 and 26
per cent. The mature forms were within the normal range except in No. 17 which
showed an increase up to 49 per cent. The data point to the fact that neutrophilia
8
PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF LEUCOCYTIC BLOOD [Vol. XXVI, Part II,
with left displacement took place in advanced stage of the disease. Stasney and
Feldmann [1938] attempted to produce a leukomoid reaction in calves by inocula-
tion of a virulent strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Results provoked leuco-
cytic increase mainly due to neutrophiles, there was decrease in number of lym-
phocytes and over stimulation of myeloid tissue and immature cells were demonstra-
able.
TABLE IV
Tuberculin-positive cows and bulls (total and differential leucocytic count)
Name of
animal
Bent Olga
Zahiah
Sananeer
Souhair
Bent Darl
Florine
Fibiana
Emeline
Darlington
Ibn Mabel
Sahiah
Hommos
Ibn Hana'
Mabel
Gessy
Nanit
Bent sehda
Ibn Darling
W.B.Cs.
7.400
10.200
7.000
8.000
10.000
6.2000
9.400
8.400
9.000
11.400
5.600
6.400
8.400
14.200
7.200
13.800
16.000
15.600
Young
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Neutr.
band mature
Total
Group I. Pulmonary T.B.
4.5
2.5
2.5
4
5.5
5
3
5
6
2.5
20.5
7.5
15.5
14
24.5
21
17
18
18
11.5
25
10
18
18
30
26
20
23
24
14
Group II. Generalized T.B.
20
9
14
13
13.5
17
26
18
25
15
19
18
24.5
17
49
22
45
24
33
31
38
34
75
48
Eos.
8
3
2
3
7
3
9
8
6
9
3
9
3
10
1
3
0
1
Bas.
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lym.
60
78
84
73
60
68
65
61
60
73
38
65
59
53
55
61
16
39
Mon.
7
7
6
5
3
3
6
2
8
4
14
2
5
24
6
6
9
12
June, 1956] A. F. HATHOOT. A. H. GOBBA. I. H. MOUSTAFA 9
D. Arneth Index as modified by Cooke (Table V)
Group I. Cells under classes I and II ranged between 50 and 70 per cent which
was within the normal range in all cases except in one case (No. 8) which recorded
sliglit increase up to 77 per cent and so a shift to the left took place in this case only.
Group II. Cells under classes I and II recorded an increase which ranged
between 85 and 97 per cent in eight cases. A shift to the left took place.
According to Ponder and Flint [1927]. Arneth believes that this left handed
deflection occurs in tuberculosis only. When it occurs in other infections, he thinks
that these are to be regarded as superimposed on a tuberculosis basis. On the other
hand Cooke [1914] states that the polymorphonuclear picture is changed in the
great majority of cases, dependent on microbic infections. He emphasises the
occurrence of a left handed deflection in tuberculosis as a constant occurrence but
insists that it is not characteristic of that disease alone. If the case becomes worse,
the left handed shift becomes greater, but if the case tends towards recovery the
picture assumes its normal appearance.
TABLE V
Tuberculin-positive cows and bulls (Arneth Index as modified by Cooke)
Name of animal
I
II
III
IV
V
Group I. Pulmonary T.B.
Bent Olga
Zahiah
Sananeer
Souhair
Bent Darlington
Florine
Fibiana
Emeline
Darlington
Ibn mabel
29
30
28
25
30
20
25
28
17
29
38
35
37
25
40
50
30
49
46
38
29
30
27
30
20
30
30
18
20
29
4
5
8
15
10
0
10
5
12
4
0
0
0
5
0
0
5
0
5
0
Group II. Generalized T.B.
Sahiah
Hommos
Ibn Hana'
Mabel
Gessy
Nanit
Bent Sahdah
Ibn Darlington
38
40
53
45
35
38
48
40
47
57
41
45
51
57
55
50
13
3
6
10
15
5
7
10
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2 AR/56
3
10 PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF LEUCOCYTIC BLOOD [Vol. XXVI, Part II.
E. The monocyte/lymphocyte ratio
Group I. Eight cases out of ten gave ratio higher than the normal average
(1:20.4). It was 1:8.6, 1:11.1, 1:14, 1:14.6, 1:20, 1:10.83, 1:7.5 and 1:18.2 respec-
tively. Only two cases (No. 6 and 8) gave ratio within the normal range, it
showed l:22.7 and 1:30.5 respectively (Table VI).
Group II. Of eight cases, seven gave ratio higher than the normal average,
it recorded 1:2.7, 1:11.8, 1:2.2, 1:9.17. 1:10.17, 1:1.8 and 1:3.25 respectively. The
one case that gave ratio within the normal range was case No. 12 which recorded
1:32.5 (Table VI).
TABLE VI
Tuberculin-positive adult cows and bulls (the monocyte /lymphocyte ratio)
Name of animal
Bent Olga
Zahiah
Sananeer
Souhair
Bent Darling
Florine
Fibiana
Emeline
Darlington
Ibn Mabel
W.B.C.
Lymph.
per cent
Mono.
per cent
Group I. Pulmonary T.B.
7.400
10.200
7.000
8.000
10.000
6.200
9.400
8.400
9.000
11.400
60
78
84
73
60
68
65
61
60
73
7
7
6
5
3
3
6
2
8
4
Lymph.
No.
4440
7950
5880
5840
6000
4210
6100
5120
5400
8320
Mono.
No.
518
714
420
400
300
186
564
168
720
456
M/L
ratio
1:8.6
1:11.1
1:14
1:14.6
1:20
1:22.7
1:10.83
1:30.5
1:7.5
1:18.2
Group II. Generalized T.B.
Sahiah
Hommos
Ibn Hana
Mabel
Gessy
Nanit
Bent Sehda
Ibn Darling
5,600
6,400
8,400
14,200
7,200
13,800
16,000
15,600
38
65
59
53
55
61
16
39
14
2
5
24
6
6
9
12
2125
4150
4950
7500
3950
8400
2560
6100
782
128
340
3408
432
828
1440
1872
1:2.7
1:32.5
1:11 8
1:2.2
1:9.17
1:10.17
1:1.8
1:3.25
12
PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF LEUCOCYTIC BLOOD
[Vol. XXVI, Part II,
the normal was present in the other cells. The Schilling index showed no displace-
ment while the Arneth index illustrated a left shift in one of the ten cases. The
monocyte/lymphocyte ratio was high in pulmonary tuberculosis except in two
cases. In generalized tuberculosis (Group II) neutrophilia was evident in three
cases and monocytosis in seven. Lymphocytes showed a tendency to decrease in
the presence of neutrophilia. A deflection took place in all cases, the band forms
ranged between 9 per cent and 26 per cent which was higher than the normal average.
A shift to the left occurred in all cases. The monocyte/lymphocyte ratio was com-
paratively higher in all cases of this group than in Group I.
3. It was found that the blood elements in cases of generalized tuberculosis were
more affected ; leucocytosis with neutrophilia occurred. In all cases. Schilling index
showed a displacement and the Arneth index demonstrated a left shift. The mono-
cyte/lymphocyte ratio was markedly high. On the other hand, slight lymphocyte sis
and monocytosis occurred, in pulmonary tuberculosis ; these were favourable signs
in the pulmonary type of the disease.
4. The blood picture was comparatively prognostic for tuberculosis.
REFERENCES
Cooke, W. F. (1914-1915). J. Path. Bact. 19, 494.
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OBSERVATIONS ON THE TREATMENT OF FOOT AND
MOUTH DISEASE*
BY M. R. DHANDA, V. R. GOPALAKRISHANAN AND H. S. DHILLON, Indian
Veterinary Research Institute, Mukteswar—Kumaon
(Received for publication on July 23, 1955)
T HE occurrence of the foot and mouth disease in India is widespread, though
in a much less virulent form in the indigenous cattle. The economic loss due
to reduced working capacity, and mortality resulting from an outbreak in a herd
or in a village is keenly felt by the cultivator, especially when he is busy, with agri-
cultural operations. Effective control measures to eradicate it, or even to protect
the animals against the disease, however desirable or necessary, are not fully practica-
able at present in this country. So attempts are often made to treat the cases by
using chemical substances, indigenous medicines, patent drugs, etc. Some private
agencies have produced what they claim as " Cure " for foot and mouth disease and
advertise their products for sale. Reports have also appeared of patent drugs having
prophylactic action and. curative effect on the infection. Such a drug would certainly
find a market as cultivators would purchase it, when the disease prevails in their
area. As to the actual effect of the drug they may not be sure, but they would
certainly be tempted to purchase and try it.
This article describes the experimental treatment carried out with some of the
patent drugs and other substances claimed to be effective against the disease. From
the results of the experiments it was evident that none of them was effective either
as a curative or as a preventive. In fact, the object of undertaking the experimental
treatment was to find out whether the claim, often made by the producers or agents,
for the drug being a cure for the disease was justified or not.
A review of the literature on the subject shows that a large number of chemical
substances, dye stuffs and other preparations were tried by various workers. Walker
and Taylor [1926] reported success in treating experimental infection in calves by
intravenous injection of Lugol's Iodine solution. However, experiments made on
guinea-pigs by Maitland [1928] proved that administration of iodine did not affect
the onset of the disease. Similarly, Andrews et. al., [1939] described experimental
trial of iodine both on guinea-pigs and cattle and arrived at the conclusion that
iodine did not exercise any noticeable influence in restraining or inhibiting the
development of foot and mouth disease in cattle. Trypan blue and intramine were
tried for the treatment of the disease in India by Stirling [1927]. It was observed
that such treatment did not prevent infection but that it considerably attenuated
the course of the disease. Galloway [1931] made a very large number of experiments
using dyes and other chemicals. But none of these had any definite effect in modi-
fying the course of the infection.
*Paper read at the Indian Science Congress held at Lucknow in January, 1953.
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14
TREATMENT OF FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE [Vol. XXVI, Part II,
MATERIAL AND METHODS
With a view to assessing the therapeutic value in the treatment of the disease,
the following recommended drugs and other methods were tried.
1. Aphtisine-131
2. Lacto-therapy
3. Marking nuts
4. 'Mokhur'
5. 'Wilco'
In all these controlled experiments, foot and mouth disease virus type strain
Vallee 'O' was used for giving the infection, and depending upon the availability,
either hill bulls or guinea-pigs were taken up for treatment. Tests were carried out
in each case to determine the effect of the drug, both as a prophylactic and as a
curative. Some of the drugs were supplied by the agents or manufacturers, while
others, the beneficial effect of which was reported, were obtained locally for the test.
Aphtisine-131
This product was supplied by Messrs Mohendra & Co., Bombay. It appeared
to be a biological product of Poland Bordet Laboratories, Paris, and was claimed to
be a curative and preventive for foot and mouth disease. The full details and the
method of preparation were not given. The following experiment was carried out:
(a) Three animals (two hill bulls and a calf) were given subcutaneously 10 and
5 c.c. of Aphtisine-131 respectively, followed 24 hours later by infection with the
disease virus type 'O'. Two of them were given a second dose also.
(b) Three animals (two hill bulls and a calf) were given the drug and the infection
of virus simultaneously.
(c) Three animals (two hill bulls and a calf) were given virus infection first,
followed 24 hours later by a dose of the drug.
Two healthy hill bulls receiving virus only were kept as controls.
Results. The treated animals reacted severely showing both primary and secon-
dary lesions. The drug appeared to have no beneficial effect against artificial infection
with the disease virus type 'O' which is the most commonly prevalent type in this
country. It was doubtful if the drug would be effective against infection with the