Professional paper

Hematological differentiation between silicosis and silico-tuberculosis

Milutin Stojadinović ; Antituberkulozni dispanzer, Vrnjačka Banja

Abstract

Benda's method of granule-diagnosis enables us to make definite statements about the existence of active tubercular process. The method consists in identifying different kinds of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in blood smear, and in determining their percentage (granulogram). According to the type of neutrophilic granulations we may distinguish four kinds of polymorphonuclear leukocytes: Type G ± (beginning of tubercular infection; persons ECG-vaccinated; patients completely cured of tuberculosis), Type G+ and G++ (active tuberculosis), and Type GN (persons who have never been in contact with tuberculosis). As there is no reliable diferential-diagnostic method for discrimination between silicosis and silico-tuberculosis, the Antitubercular Station at Vrnjačka banja uses the above method for discerning silicosis from silico-tuberculosis. In 78 cases it was shown that the sum of the elements GN and G ± is Iarger than 50% in cases of silicosis, and is equal or less than 50% in cases af silico-tuberculosis. The method is reliable, easily performed and requires only minimum of equipment. Benda's original method has been modified and thus even more simplified. We find apart from the great practical value (i. e. elimination of silico-tubercular persons from working places, correct solution of the question of indemnification), the hematological method promises to be of great theoretical importance in solving problems of the pathogenesis of silicosis.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

188217

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/188217

Publication date:

22.3.1951.

Article data in other languages: serbian

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