Surveillance of foodborne infections— the role of the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre

The paper describes the work of the Public Health Laboratory Service, popularly referred to as “Colindale”, and reviews the types of infection which are commonly food or waterborne and their relative importance. Cholera, typhoid and paratyphoid are rare diseases usually acquired abroad. Bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis and foodborne helmenthiasis have been almost eliminated as indigenous diseases. However, salmonellosis and Campylobacter enteritis are increasing. The increase has not been satisfactorily explained but is probably due to bovine and poultry infections. Although most notified food poisoning incidents are due to salmonella, a number of other organisms have been implicated, the cause being defective food hygiene. Viral foodborne diseases, including hepatitis A, have been associated mainly with shellfish. The incidence of new foodborne infections may be increasing.     

The growth of microorganisms in total parenteral nutrition admixtures

Total nutrient admixtures (TNAs) containing glucose, amino acids, and lipid emulsion in one container and amino acid/dextrose solutions [conventional total parenteral nutrition (TPN) formulations] were studied in a controlled laboratory experiment for their ability to support the growth of microorganisms. Both TNA and conventional TPN formulations for peripheral and central venous administration with standard additives were inoculated with microorganisms to provide 10(1)-10(2) colony-forming units/ml (CFU/ml) of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida albicans. The admixtures were stored at room temperature and samples for quantitative microbiology were taken at time 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr. K. pneumoniae, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa were able to proliferate in central TNAs, but the growth of these organisms was retarded in conventional TPN solutions. In the peripheral formulations, K. pneumoniae and E. coli proliferated in both the TNA and conventional TPN systems, whereas P. aeruginosa grew well only in the peripheral TNA. S. epidermidis was not able to grow in any admixtures tested; however, C. albicans grew well in all admixtures, but growth was slower in the conventional central TPN. In conclusion, peripheral and central TNAs supported the growth of microorganisms significantly better than conventional TPN solutions.     

Specific selection of osteosynthetic material in the treatment of thoracic or lumbar spinal injuries by the posterior approach

Summary The authors report 165 cases of thoraco-lumbar lesions with neurological dysfunction. All the patient were operated. They analyze the neurological and mechanical results and indicate the use of different osteosynthesis apparatus according to the type and level of lesions.Harrington's rods seem to give more precise repositioning while Roy Camille's plates give more stability. When the posterior wall of the spinal canal is intact, Kempf's compression rods can be used.Thoraxic spine injuries seem to be an indication for Harrington's rods, while lumbar injuries seem to call for Camille's plates.