taken by the University Department of Pathology which was subvented by Government up to $600,000 for the year under review,
Bacteriology
71. Apart from routine clinical work, the year-round monitoring of nightsoil and of cases of gastro-enteritis for cholera vibrios continued. Other projects included studies of the characteristics and distribution of non-agglutinable vibrios and testing of anti-tuberculosis drug sensi+ tivity which included the thiacetazone investigation, a joint under- taking between the Medical Research Council and the Hong Kong Government.
Clinical Pathology
72. The Clinical Pathology Unit in Queen Elizabeth Hospital is now responsible for all types of pathological work required by the clinical units. There has been a steady increase in the number of tests and the total for 1965 was 655,296. Significant increase was noted in chemical pathology and cytological work. The acquisition of another 'Auto- analyser has increased the efficiency of chemical pathology investiga- tions. In the field of cytology, screening and diagnosis, particularly of vaginal smears, have helped in the detection of carly cervical cancer. The return of one technician trained in cytological techniques will further improve the efficiency of this service.
Haematology and Blood Banks
73. Serological studies of haptoglobin and transferrin genotypes among Cantonese in Hong Kong were carried out in collaboration with the New South Wales Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service. Sydney.
74. The Hong Kong Branch of the British Red Cross Society con- tinued to maintain a blood collection service and to distribute the blood to the blood banks at the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth Hospitals. Increased demands were met by an intensified campaign by the Hong Kong Branch of the Red Cross Society, which provided approximately 14,900 pints-an increase of 3,700 pints over the pre- vious year. Although the greater part of the blood again came from members of the Armed Services or from visiting Royal Navy and United States warships, there are increasing donations from local Chinese residents. However, despite all these efforts, shortage of blood remained a problem.
Virology
75. The Virus Laboratory is equipped mainly for diagnostic and survey work in connexion with entero-and respiratory viruses. A preliminary arborvirus serological survey was undertaken during the year.
76. Routine identification of poliovirus and the conduct of sero- logical surveys to assess the effects of the oral vaccination campaign was carried out. A comparatively poor rise in Type 1 antibody following vaccination prompted an alteration in the composition of the trivalent vaccine used and the administration of Type 1 vaccine soon after birth. The serological response to one dose of Type 1, 4-7 days after birth and followed by two doses of trivalent vaccine indicated 97-99%%% response to all three types. This method has been adopted for im- munization and further assessment on a larger scale will be carried out. (See paragraph 25).
77. An outbreak of influenza was recorded in February-March, 1966. The causative type was mainly influenza A 2 virus, but a few isolates of influenza B virus were also obtained. (See paragraph 26).
78. A preliminary arborvirus survey using haemagglutination- inhibition test revealed findings indicating that group B arborviruses have been prevalent in Hong Kong.
Parasitology
79. Clonorchis sinensis infestation of the intrahepatic bile ducts still remains a problem and recent study showed that these worms also migrated into the pancreatic ducts. A close study of the pancreatic changes due to Clonorchis sinensis infestation has been made. The first recorded case of hydatid disease of the liver was detected in a Chinese female, aged 39 years, native of Yuen Long.
INDUSTRIAL HEALTH
(See table 42)
80. Field surveys both clinical and environmental were undertaken by the Industrial Health Division of the Labour Department, which is staffed by officers seconded from the Medical and Health Department. Environmental aspects investigated were:-benzene and toluene in paint and varnish factories, dust in quarries, carbon monoxide in underground junction vaults, chromic acid mist in electroplating works,
23