SCARLET FEVER. Synonyms.—Scarlatina; Scarlet Rash. Definition ...

This Koch announced to the expectant world March 24, 1882, before the
Physiological Society of Berlin, as the bacillus tuberculosis. Since then
the profession has largely acknowledged the bacillus as the exciting
cause, though some still contend the microorganism is the result and not
the cause.
Zoological Distribution.—This disease, so fatal to mankind, is widely
distributed among the animal world, especially domesticated animals; in
fact, it is only found in wild animals after having been reduced to
captivity, proving that environment is one of the predisposing causes of
tuberculosis.
Of domestic animals, cattle are by far the most frequently affected,
especially dairy cattle. Dr. Carpenter stated before the British Medical
Association, held in Glasgow in 1880, that he was informed by a London
meat inspector that 80 per cent of the meat sold in the London markets
was tuberculous, and that, if this were all condemned, the inhabitants
could not be fed. While this statement is most likely exaggerated, it
shows that it is extremely common in cattle.
Swine are next in order of frequency, while sheep and goats are almost
free from it. The horse is not often affected, though not exempt. Fowls
are frequently troubled, though the tuberculous material is of a milder
and less infectious character. Monkeys, when brought into captivity, are
peculiarly susceptible, Forbes stating that 43 per cent dying in the
London Zoological Gardens succumb to tuberculosis. Dogs and cats, for a
long time considered proof against its ravages, are now found
tuberculous, most likely from their close association with man. Rabbits
and guinea-pigs, when domesticated, soon show the same tendency.
Geographical Distribution.—Tuberculosis is the most universal of all
diseases, and is to be found in all parts of the world, perhaps more
extensively in warm climates than cold; however, the local conditions
figure more prominently than climate. Wherever large masses of people
congregate, there tuberculosis prevails.
Altitude has a more deterring influence on tuberculosis than latitude,
and at one time it was supposed that the high mountain regions' were
exempt; and while the condition of the atmosphere is undoubtedly purer
and more fatal to the bacillus, yet the fact, that the mountainous
regions are more sparsely settled than the valleys, is not to be
The Eclectic Practice of Medicine - PART I - Infectious Diseases - Page 179