The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1921-02-25
WASSERMAN TEST VAL.
liable IN DIAGNOSIS

The Wassermann test is test EN-
ployed in the detection Of the pres
enoe Of germs in the blood stream
causing syphilis. Many times there
will be outward symptoms of the dis
ease and its presence can only be de-
termined by an examination of the
blood in the laboratory.
Syphilis is most commonly trans.
mltted by bodily contact, although 1t
may easily be caught by using drink
ing cups, dishes and utensils which
have previously been used by a syph.
little. 1t can also be inherited. The
organisms of this disease, which some
what resemble corkscrew in appear
ance, enter the skin through the most
minute abrasions. At the site of en-
trance a sore soon develops. 1t may
be large or it may be so small that
it will escape notice. These sores
called LESSONS are characterized by
their very hard walls which nature
has constructed in the attempt to keep
the invading organisms localized and
to prevent them entering into the
blood stream through which they will
have access to every organ of the
body.
II not arrested by medical treat
ment, these organisms will break
through these hardened walls and en-.
ter into the circulatory system. Usu-
aIlv within a short while there will
appear general rash or breaking out
on the skin which will gradually dis
appear. Other symptoms may appear
Immediately, or on the other mana
the disease may continue with no tur-
Their marked symptoms for a whlie'
leading the patient to believe that ma
tire has cured the infection. Later,
however. the disease makes its pres
ence felt by directing its attack
against some vital organ. Otten the
patient is attacked by some other as
lease, the symptoms and effects Oh
which completely obscure those pro-
duced by syphilis. Therefore 1t is
advised that, if the physician desires
IA obtain a specimen of blood for
Wasesrmann test, the patient should
gladly permit this to be done. lie
| should also advise the physician II ne
had at any time previous noticed any
where on his body any hardened sore,
however small, and even suggest to
the physician the advisabil1ty OF a
| Wasser1nann test as means Oh ell1nl-
mating syphilis in the diagnosis OF his
narticular ailment. The suggestion OF
a Wassermann test on the part OF the
physician does not carry with It the
| insinuation Of immoral conduct, tor
syphilis is oftentime inherited, and
| for this the patient can IN no way
he held responsible. Again, syphllls
| can easily be transmitted to the most
! innocent by means of accident.
/ # is further advised that, II the
natient has been suffering from some
| unknown disease which does not re-
| snond to general treatment, he go to
| his musician and request him to
! draw a specimen of blood and forward
; 10 tho Wassermann Laboratory OF the
| State Board of Health, or to some prl
yate laboratory, if that be his prefer
| ence. This advice is based upon the
| fact that numbers of specimens OF
| blood from patients who could not
| find relief from general treatment have
| been known to show positive Wasser'
| mann tests, revealing the presence OF
| syphilis. Specific treatment was then
administered, with the result that the
ANNOYING symptoms were relieved
| and the patient fully recovered
Cities and towns should protect the
| health and happiness of their public by
| recurring all handlers of fruits, meats
! in fact, all eatables-to present from
{ time to time medical certlflcate
| showing that they are free OF all III
! fectious diseases. Furthermore
/ mothers should see to it that the ser
/, wants. employed around the house VINO
| have q Wasermann test made IN or
meals and the care of the children
I have Wassermann test made in or
| der TO insure the members OF the
! household against accidental syphllltlc
Infection This can be done by hay
! inc the family physician obtain a
! enecimen Of their blood and mail II
70 the Wassermann Laboratory OF the
state BOARD of Health.