LOBAR PNEUMONIA, ACUTE (a) Infective Agent.—Streptococcus pneumonice.
(b) Source of Infection.—Typical cases and carriers.
(c) Exit of Infective Agent. —In the sputum and saliva.
(d) Routes of Transmission.—Direct and indirect contact.
(e) Incubation Period.—Short, usually two to three days.
(f) Period of Communicability.—Of unknown duration, pre sumably until the pneumococcus is no longer present.
(g) Entrance of Infective Agent into theBody.—Through the mouth or nose.
(h) Methods of Control. The Infected Individuals.—r. Di agnosis: By the clinical manifestations. The specific strain of the pneumococcus involved may be determined by bacteriological and serological tests early in the disease.
2. Isolation: During the clinical course of the disease.
3. Artificial immunization: Polyvalent vaccines offer con siderable promise although still experimental.
Fairly successful antibacterial serum has been produced against one of the several known types of the pneumococcus, but passive immunizationn has as yet proven of little value against infection with the other types. Hence the desirability
of early ascertaining the type of the infecting strain of the pneu mococcus, since if it is found to be type I, the prognosis can be favored by the therapeutic employemnt of type I antiserum. The serum is given intravenously in large doses, starting with 75 to roo c.c. and repeating every eight hours. The average requirements are about 25o c.c.
4. Quarantine: None. • 5. Concurrent disinfection: Of all discharges from the mouth or nose and of articles soiled therewith.
6. Terminal disinfection: Cleaning.
General Measures.—r. Overcrowding should be carefully avoided in institutions and camps. The general resistance of healthy persons should be conserved by good feeding, fresh air, and temperance in the use of alcoholic beverages.