Twilight of the Germs

For the average American of 1900, there was some disease germ with his number on it. Now, said the U.S. Public Health Service last week, more Americans survive the bugs, die of degenerative diseases of middle or old age.

In 1900, with only ten states reporting, the ten leading causes of death were: 1) pneumonia and influenza; 2) tuberculosis; 3) diarrhea, enteritis and intestinal ulcers; 4) heart disease; 5) cerebral hemorrhage; 6) nephritis (kidney inflammation); 7) accidents; 8) cancer; 9) diphtheria; 10) premature birth.

Since then, said Dr. James Crabtree of the Public Health Service, immunization has laid diphtheria low. Better sanitation (including fewer flies because of fewer horses) has knocked intestinal infections, such as diarrhea and enteritis, off the top list. Sulfa drugs and penicillin have taken the edge off pneumonia. Tuberculosis has yielded somewhat to better treatment and early X-ray diagnosis. To take their places, non-germ diseases have moved up. Last year's list: 1) heart disease; 2) cancer; 3) cerebral hemorrhage; 4) nephritis; 5) pneumonia and influenza; 6) accidents (except motor vehicle); 7) tuberculosis; 8) diabetes; 9) premature birth; 10) motor vehicle accidents.

Pneumonia and tuberculosis are still losing ground as causes of death. When they are gone, the fight against killing germs, perhaps the greatest constructive achievement of the 20th Century, may be nearly won.

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