The Washington times., 1938-09-15
new ANTITOXIN
PROVES Value IN
SCARLET FEVER
go P. C. Immunization
OF Pupils Reported

Using a new antitoxin. scien-
lists at the National Institute Of
Health have attained 80 per cent
immunizaticn Of school children
against scarlet fever.
OF 1000 grammar school chill
dren in western Maryland given
the antitoxin. only 80 contracted
the disease, whereas control cases
showed that 1872 children Of the
II 900 would ordinarily have de-
veloped scarlet fever.
These results were reported yes
terday by DR. Milton v. Veldee,
Of the N. I. H., to physicians at
tending the third annual alumni
extension course Of Georgetown
University Medical School.
DR.. Veldee's antitoxin is known
to scientists as purified tannic
acid precipitate of the raw toxin.
It was explained that the actual
scarlet fever germs (the raw toxin)
were treated with the tannic acid
to neutralize their poisonous ef-
fects.
OTHERS INEFFECTIVE
This preparation was given the
patient to be immunized. The pa
tents system then built UP its
own antidobies, or agents for
fighting the scarlet fever germ.
At present the serums given to
protect children against scarlet
fever are not satisfactory. At least
five injections are required and
often bad results follow.
DR.. Veldee explained his tests
of the new antitoxin are not yet
complete, but physicians at the
lecture agreed his results are the
most promising so far in the field
of immunization against scarlet
fever.
Internal treatment with gentian
violet produced 90 per cent cure in
persons suffering from pinworm.
DR.. Frederick j. Brady Of the NH.
reported. He said the gentian vio-
let was given as tablets in doses
varying with the age Of the
patient, an entirely new use Of the
drug in this disease.
VICTIMS OF PINWORM
DR.. Brady and others at the
NH, found that 40 per cent Of
persons living in Washington who
were tested had the disease. Alto
gether 2,251 persons here suffer
from pinworm.
! Apparently economic status is
not important since the disease Is
common among people Of the
higher income brackets. It is more
common among white people than
colored here" he said.
"The gentian violet treatment,
however, seems to promise relief
for most sufferers"
Actual tipping of spinal rnenin-
lis at the patients bedside, in
stead of the present delay Of two
or three days, was foreSeen by
DR.. Sara Branham Of the NH.
DEFENDS ON SERUM
She also predicted improved
serums, drug superior to sui
phanilamide. and specific serum
for each of the three common
types Of meningitis.
DR.. Branham said the bedside
typing would depend upon i'm
proved serums, and other tech
nical factors, but that quick typ
ing is definitely i sight"
! She explained that delay in
treating spinal meningitis because
the doctor does not know the type
OF serum needed, often results in
death of the patient.
Free serum for five types Of
pneumonia will be furnished in
digent persons in the District by
the Health Department this win
ter. DR.. Harry F. Dowling said.
The serum was offered last year
for Type l cases only, but in
creased funds has made it possible
to increase the serum range this
winter, he added. The serum Is
given only If the physician Ger
titles the patient is unable to pay.