Studies on Epidemic Influenza: Comprising Clinical and Laboratory InvestigationsUniversity of Pittsburgh. School of Medicine
History
Studies on Epidemic Influenza: Comprising Clinical and Laboratory Investigations
University of Pittsburgh. School of Medicine
Influenza; Influenza Epidemic, 1918-1919
_Effect of Addition of Serum on Behavior on Exposure to Air._—The
persistence of venous hue of blood exposed to air was noted above. It
was observed that the addition of serum from the same blood
conspicuously shortened the time required for such blood to acquire an
arterial hue. The addition of normal serum was more effective in this
respect than pathological serum. Measurements of the rate of absorption
of such blood after the addition of serum indicated acceleration of
oxygen absorption. From this it would seem that the oxygen transmitting
capacity of the serum was diminished.
_Effect of Addition of Dry Sodium Bicarbonate on Behavior on Exposure to
Air._—The addition of a small quantity of dry sodium bicarbonate to a
blood refractory to arterialization on exposure to air enormously
accelerated the process, as judged by the color. To what extent the
change in color may have been due to causes other than oxygen absorption
was not determined.
_Comment_
The most significant positive findings were evidence of deficiency of
serum oxygen transmitting capacity or rate, and the detection in serum
of an absorption band in the red corresponding to methemoglobin. The
presence of the abnormal substance giving rise to the absorption band is
considered of special interest as indicating abnormal chemical
conditions in the blood, rather than material change in hemoglobin
oxygen capacity.
THE BACTERIOLOGY OF EPIDEMIC INFLUENZA WITH A DISCUSSION OF B. INFLUENZÆ
AS THE CAUSE OF THIS AND OTHER INFECTIVE PROCESSES
By W. L. HOLMAN, B. A., M. D.
_Introduction_
In a study of the bacteriology of a respiratory disease such as
influenza, the technical difficulties encountered are very great and
must be overcome before we can draw useful conclusions from the results
obtained or attempt to determine the etiological factors. The important
methods of attacking such a problem include: (1) the study of stained
smears and cultures from the various available materials, along with the
demonstration of the bacteria in the lesions found in the disease by a
study of sections; (2) tests with the various materials to determine the
presence of the causative agent, which includes experiments on man and
animals and is more inclusive than the mere study of the bacteria
isolated; (3) immunological studies of man suffering from the disease,
or of man and animals treated with the materials from the disease; (4)
pathological, clinical and epidemiological studies linked with the
above.
Many of the difficulties and sources of error in these methods are
manifest to all, but certain points may be indicated as more important
in the phases of the work on which I am to report.
_General Methods of Investigation_
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