Cat scratch disease in Connecticut: epidemiology, risk factors, and evaluation of a new diagnostic test
Article Abstract:
The factors most strongly associated with cat scratch disease are owning a kitten, being scratched or bitten by a kitten and owning a kitten with fleas. Cat scratch disease, a disease of the lymph nodes, usually runs a benign course but can sometimes lead to serious consequences. Risk factors for the disease in Connecticut were studied in 56 children who developed cat scratch disease and in 56 children who did not. Evidence of infection with the bacterium Rochalimaea henselae was found in blood samples of kittens implicated in transmission of cat scratch disease as well as in 84% of the patients with the disease. Other factors associated with the disease were the age and sex of the cats. Patients were more likely to own younger, male cats than the comparison group. No significant association was found between the ownership of an adult cat and development of the disease.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1993
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Tretinoin (retinoic acid) revisited
Article Abstract:
The use of topical tretinoin (retinoic acid) to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is controversial. Hyperpigmentation is abnormally increased pigmentation of the skin. It is often caused by acne, eczema and irritation from shaving and can re-occur. A research study examined the use of topical tretinoin to treat hyperpigmentation in black individuals. Formulations that contain tretinoin, hydroquinone and a topical steroid have been used since the mid-1970s to treat hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone is the main drug used to treat this disorder. It can be bought in over-the-counter preparations or in a prescription form that contains higher concentrations. Some physicians are opposed to the use of tretinoin, while others are strong advocates. Use of tretinoin to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may not cause any serious side effects.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1993
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The detection of monkeypox in humans in the western hemisphere
Article Abstract:
A detailed examination of the first cases of monkeypox in the US is presented, focusing on 11 people and one prairie dog in Wisconsin. DNA tests showed that the patients and the prairie dog were all infected with the monkeypox virus. The prairie dog was believed to be exposed to a rat that had been imported from West Africa.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2004
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