The streptococcus saga continues

Article Abstract:

In the July 11, 1991 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers report some surprising findings on the transmission of strep throat among Marine recruits, men who live in especially close quarters. The findings are only the latest, however, concerning a bacteria which continues to remain enigmatic after decades of intensive research. In the reported study, it was found that prophylactic (preventive) treatment with penicillin G benzathine failed to protect the Marine recruits from strep throat caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes. The cause of this failure was found to be the 7 percent of recruits who were not protected because they were allergic to penicillin. These men became infected and then provided a reservoir from which even the penicillin-treated men became infected. Other mysteries remain, however. A total of 265 recruits developed strep throat. It is probable that a small percentage of these Marines would have developed rheumatic fever, a serious complication of strep throat, as a consequence. None did, a fact which accentuates our lack of understanding of why some people develop rheumatic fever after infection with some strains of streptococcus while others do not. The results of this study have little influence on the general practice of medicine, since prophylactic treatment with penicillin would be inappropriate in most situations. However, if an outbreak of strep throat occurs in a college, prison, or day-care center (or in any area where people share close contact), the lesson is clear. All of the potentially exposed individuals should receive prophylaxis, not merely most of them. People who are allergic to penicillin may be given erythromycin, another antibiotic, instead. Fortunately, despite years of successful treatment, streptococci remain sensitive to penicillin, and resistant strains have not emerged. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Streptococcal infections, Prevention, Streptococcus pyogenes, editorial

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Transplantation tolerance - the search continues

Article Abstract:

More research is needed to find ways to make organ transplant recipients tolerate their donated organ. This would eliminate the need to take immunosuppressive drugs for the rest of their lives. A 1998 study found that organ rejection was less common in patients who received a kidney from a sibling who had inherited maternal immune characteristics. Blood or bone marrow transfusions from the donor can also make the recipient more tolerant of the organ transplant.

Editorial, Research, Physiological aspects, Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc., Organ transplantation, Tissue transplantation, Transplantation, Biocompatibility

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Africa: in search of solutions

Article Abstract:

A combination of traditional and modern medical care is one way of providing health care for all Africans. Many nurses in Africa are also traditional healers who have knowledge of medical technology as well as traditional cultural practices.

Social policy, Nurses, Africa, Healers

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