ENG-1965 — Page 152

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RESEARCH

HEALTH

The main emphasis during 1965 was in the fields of virology, cholera and tuberculosis. The virus laboratory continued research work on influenza and other respiratory viruses and it was shown that the para influenza virus was fairly common and that the re- spiratory syncytial virus was a frequent cause of respiratory infection in children under one year of age. There was a small outbreak of influenza A2 strain in the spring. Adeno-virus types 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 14 were also isolated from time to time. As yet arborvirus cannot be fully investigated, but a group specific test-the haemag- glutination-inhibition test-can be carried out and preliminary results indicate that group B arborvirus may be fairly common in Hong Kong. Further studies were undertaken on serological response both to the continuing poliomyelitis vaccination campaign and to alternative schedules of administration of the vaccine.

With cholera, research continued into the strains of vibrios isolated in previous years. Preliminary investigations were conducted to assess the possible value of phage typing. In spite of the absence of cholera this year, the isolation and typing of non-agglutinable vibrios from nightsoil continued.

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A controlled trial is being conducted jointly by the Hong Kong Tuberculosis Service and the Medical Research Council to assess the efficacy of Thiacetazone in the treatment of tuberculosis in Hong Kong. Also in the field of tuberculosis an investigation is being made into the state of tuberculin sensitivity at every age group to assess whether any modification is needed in the present BCG programme. In histopathology, histological typing of salivary gland tumours was started and the morphlogical changes of the pancreatic duct in pancreatic clonorchiasis were studied.