Microbiological studies in Western Samoa

Abstract
1. The incidence of cutaneous infections and of the micro-organisms which could be isolated from them, after the completion of a yaws control programme in W. Samoa, has been investigated and compared with similar studies made prior to the mass treatment. 2. Active yaws lesions showed a dramatic reduction, the incidence having dropped from 26.2 per cent. of subjects in 1953 to 1.6 per cent. in 1958. The incidence of scabies, “impetigo” boils and other infections remains unchanged. 3. Pathogenic staphylococci were isolated from more than 50 per cent. of all lesions sampled and were as numerous in 1958 as in 1953. Penicillin resistance was found in more than 20 per cent. of the cutaneous strains isolated. The majority of these resistant strains belonged to phage-type 71 or had related patterns. 4. Streptococci showing beta-haemolysis were isolated from more than 47 per cent. of the lesions, a much higher figure than was obtained in 1953 when 32 per cent. of the lesions yielded them. Of the 46 strains grouped, 44 (96 per cent.) belonged to Group A. 5. Corynebacterium diphtheriae was isolated from 21.5 per cent. of lesions sampled in 1958, and from 28.7 per cent. in 1953. Positive virulence tests were obtained from 65 per cent. of the isolates in 1958, while only 18 per cent. of those obtained in 1953 were virulent when tested. This difference is discussed and is thought to be due to the better storage method, and briefer storage time of the 1958 sample. 6. The effect of the yaws control programme is discussed. The lesions other than yaws and their bacterial flora appeared to be unaltered by mass treatment with penicillin. The continued presence of cutaneous strains of virulent C. diphtheriae suggests that spontaneous active immunization against diphtheria is still taking place in Western Samoa.

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