Infectious diseases
Article Abstract:
Death rates from infectious diseases are increasing predominantly because of population growth, crowded Third World cities, climate changes and international travel. Many bacteria are becoming resistant to commonly used antibiotics such as penicillin. Drug resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae has led to the development of a vaccine which should be administered to all children. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus is now found in many US hospitals and is difficult to eradicate. The eradication of polio from the Western Hemisphere indicates that this disease could be eliminated globally in the near future. This has led to a proposed change in vaccination policy, which would use inactivated vaccine in place of some oral vaccine doses. Lyme disease is a example of a disease caused by the encroachment of human habitats into wildlife areas. Rabies is now carried by bats, racoons, coyotes, and skunks, necessitating the vaccination of pets, especially dogs.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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Infectious diseases
Article Abstract:
Cryptosporidial infection may cause diarrheal disease. In Milwaukee, diarrheal disease developed by 400,000 people was linked to public water supplied from run-off in livestock grazing areas. The parasite responsible for the infection is common among animals. Outbreaks of this nature have been traced to lakes, pools and day care centers. E coli infection can be carried by water, contaminated vegetables and fruits, and from person to person. Ehrlichiosis, a tick-borne disease causing symptoms of fever and headache but no rash, is becoming more common. Effective treatments include chloramphenicol, tetracycline hydrochloride and doxycycline hyclate. Rifabutin decreases the risk of mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex in HIV-infected people.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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The heritage of hepatitis B vaccine
Article Abstract:
The widespread use of the hepatitis B vaccine could eradicate hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Research on a vaccine began in the mid-1960s and culminated in licensed vaccine in 1981. However, the vaccine had to be made from viral antigens isolated from human blood. The rise of genetic engineering allowed scientists to create the vaccine from yeast. This vaccine was licensed in 1986. The World Health Organization estimates the vaccine would cost $30 to $40 to prevent one carrier and $200 per death prevented.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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