A comparative study of the action of demethylchlortetracycline and of tetracycline hydrochloride on Brucella Melitensis

Abstract

The incidence of Bruccellosis in human beings has been a medical and epidemiological problem in Malta ever since it was recognised as a separate entity towards the middle of the last century. Even to-day the incidence of Brucellosis due to infection with Brucella melitensis is proportionately one of the largest in the world; in 1961, 127 cases had been reported. The higest incidence occurred in 1946 when 2410 cases were reported, since when it has fallen sharply and almost continuously down to 1958 when only 117 cases were notified, (notification is compulsory by law); in 1955 there had been 522, in 1956 432 and, in 1957, 275 cases. The estimated population of the Maltese Islands in 1957 was 319,446. The disease is almost always contacted by the ingestion of untreated milk, the goat being still perhaps the most important source of supply. As .is kncwn, this animal is naturally very susceptible to infection with Brucella melitensis. A good part of the' milk supply is now being derived from cows. but the incidence of Brucellosis' of which ever species is small in' this, animal and almost all milk deriving from cows is pasteurized before it is delivered for consumption. Experience has shown pasteurization to be a perfect safeguard.