current epidemiologic profile of pulmonary tuberculosis in Saudi Arabia and the most appropriate antitubercular antibiotics

Indirect sensitivity test done for 135 strains of M. tuberculosis isolated patients suffering from primary pulmonary tuberculosis proved that the most effective antitubercular drugs are: Rifampin, P- nitrobenzoic acid and thiosemicarbazone; the least are kanamycin, ethambutol and cycloserine. The disease is not uncommon in Saudi Arabia, both native and foreigners are affected, the productive age group is the most vulnerable group, females are also affected but to a lesser extent than males

Upper and lower respiratory tract infections in Hajj, 1412 H

Investigation of upper and lower respiratory tract infections in Pilgrims showed that Klepsiella pn. and Strept. pn. were more prevalent in a group of squatters Hajjis. Strept. pyogenes was the prevalent one in the non squattering group. Although squattering areas are open air spaces, yet their bacterial air count was higher versus the closed tents. All isolated pathogens were resistant to Penicillin G

Serratia marcescens: fatal outbreak in prematures

A fulminating outbreak of Serratia marcescens occurred in the prematures at Heraa Hospital resulting in the death of 23 prematures within less than 15 days. The germs crossed the barrier of the unit with a home delivered neonate, germs were hidden in the woodden sandalls used inside the unit as well as unit's floor, through the application of carefull infection control measures the outbreak ceased and the germs were eliminated from the unit

Prevalence of pulmonary mycosis in cases of chronic obstructive airway diseases

PuImonary mycosis is not an uncommon finding in patients complaining of chronic obstructive airway diseases. Corticosteroids therapy enhances the infection. Patients with tracheo-bronchitis are also infected but to a lesser extent when compared to the former group. Aspergillus spp. were the predominant fungi isolated, they were also isolated from patients' house dust

effect of povidone-iodine [betadine] versus chlorhexidine mouth washes on dental plaque

Over a period of 3 weeks, 0.2% chlorhexidine and 0.5% povidone-iodine [Betadine] mouth washes were tested on two different groups of students. Zero plaque index was achieved then each mouth wash was used twice daily. By the end of the period of study chlorhexidine was superior than Betadine as regard the reduction in the total bacterial count, the decrease in the mean plaque and the gingival indices

Immunoglobulins levels in tonsillectomized children

Serum immunoglobulins levels were studied in 72 children before and threemonthsafter tonsillectomy. Patients comprised of 40 males and 32 females. Serum IgA, IgG and IgM and secretory IgAwere decreased after surgery while serum IgEwas increase. This may predispose children to some immunological disorders which could be preventedby determination of levels before surgery and by follow up patients after it