RESUMEN
During the whole year 1987 there were 1,290 patients with dog bite attending the Division of Traumatology, Siriraj Hospital. 68.5% of the victims resided within 3-kilometer radius around Siriraj Hospital. Most of accidents occurred near their homes. 47.6% of them were bitten on the street or at the public places by stray dogs. These dogs had no immunization background. The patients were treated as the out-patient basis by wet or dry dressing of infected wounds while only few patients necessitated suturing. The patients received tetanus immunizationaccordingly. Anti rabies vaccine was not given to the patients but they were instructed to observed dog’s behaviour for 10 days. In doubted cases the opinion of physicians of the Department of Preventive Medicine was sought for. During this period of study, following consultation 170 of 181 patients received injection of rabies vaccine.
RESUMEN
Monthly scheduled follow-ups of 28 sputum-smear-culture-positive tuberculosis patients and 110 members of their families revealed 14 suspected cases of pulmonary tuberculosis and several interesting findings: (1) the incidence of tuberculosis was mostly among poor families with unsuitable shelter; (2) assessing family members and close associates of patients proved to be a fruitful approach for case-finding; (3) several BCG-vaccinated persons were found to have developed tuberculosis; (4) despite enthusiastic supervision of patients undergoing treatment, the defaulter rate was high (19.5%); and (5) all the antituberculotic regimens prescribed in this paper proved effective, as indicated by negative sputum examination from the fourth month of therapy onwards and a relapse rate of only 3.0 percent. Suggestions are made for improving the control of tuberculosis among the general public.
RESUMEN
The sutdy was done in 1986 to assess borax excretion in urine among Bangkokians. The population included 589 vegetarians and 1,767 non-vegetarians. Screening test for borax in urine was performed by dropping one microdrop on readily prepared tumeric paper and then reading the results by means of colour change. The findings showed 27.3% and 28.6% positive for borax in vegetarians and non-vegetarians respectively. Eating habits did not play any importance. This study was performed one year after the use of borax was strictly prohibited in all foodstaffs. The evidence reflected the ignorance of food dealers on relevant laws. More than one quarter of Bangkokians are still at risk to borax nowadays.
RESUMEN
During 1982-1983, susceptibility to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in 224 Thai subjects at high risk for varicella infection was studied. The immune adherence hemagglutination (IAHA) and VZ skin test were carried out to determine VZV immunity in immunocompromised children and young adults. The history of varicella and herpes zoster from each subject was recorded. The mean +/- SD age in children and young adults were 7.3 +/- 2.8 and 19.6 +/- 1.2. Negative IAHA test was found in 74.2% of 62 children and 35.2% of 162 young adults. The increase in immune individuals was demonstrated with advancing age. Response to VZ skin test showed positive results in 79 of 162 (48.8%) young adults. The seronegativity was related to the negative VZ skin test (p less than 0.001, X2 test). Regardless of antibody detection or VZ skin test, 47 of 162 (29%) young adults were susceptible. According to the positive history of varicella and of herpes zoster obtained from 95 young adults, 80% had developed varicella during 1 to 10 years of age and 8.8% had positive history of herpes zoster. The findings suggest that the IAHA and VZ skin test should be used together for assessing VZ immunity. Varicella vaccination is highly recommended for susceptible persons who may develop severe illness.