Monitoring of rotavirus infection in a paediatric hospital by RNA electrophoresis.

During the spring of 1987 and the autumn of 1988, stool specimens were collected from infants and young children in the paediatric unit at H. F. Verwoerd Hospital, Pretoria, and examined for the presence of rotaviruses to assess the potential for hospital-acquired infection in the paediatric wards. Stool samples were also collected from children admitted to the hospital for causes unrelated to gastro-enteritis to investigate the possible asymptomatic carriage of rotavirus in this population. Hospital-acquired rotavirus infection was determined in only 9% of cases. Very little asymptomatic carriage of the virus was identified. Electrophoretic analysis of the rotavirus strains showed that the majority of the infections (20 of 42) were associated with a particular strain with a long RNA profile, while 7 minor strains co-circulated (5 with a long electrophoretype and 2 with a short one). An apparent small outbreak of nosocomial infection with a single strain was observed to occur in one of the paediatric wards during the spring and early summer.

A cross-sectional survey of neurobehavioral effects of chronic solvent exposure on workers in a paint manufacturing plant.

Neurobehavioral impairments in 84 workers with long-term exposure to organic solvents in a paint manufacturing plant were examined cross sectionally. The World Health Organization (WHO) Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery, the NES-2 computerized battery, and four additional South African tests were used. Exposure to solvents was determined by using company industrial hygiene data as well as from an industrial hygiene survey of current total solvent levels in air. Indexes for cumulative exposure and average lifetime intensity of exposure were calculated for groups of homogeneously exposed workers in each department. Exposure levels were below the AGGIH threshold limit values. Multiple linear regression revealed that education level, age, and alcohol consumption were strong predictors for several neurobehavioral test scores. After adjusting for potential confounding from this source, average lifetime intensity of solvent exposure was the most significant predictor of the NES-2 Continuous performance test (measuring sustained visual attention) score of the WHO Digit span backward test score (measuring attention span and double tracking). Pursuit aiming (measuring fine visuomotor tracking speed) was significantly associated with the cumulative exposure index, possibly indicating early neurotoxic effects.

Solvent exposure, alcohol consumption and liver injury in workers manufacturing paint.

Liver enzyme activity was examined in 89 South African paint makers currently exposed to a mixture of organic solvents at fairly low levels. However, the duration of exposure was substantial for many. Fifty-eight workers (65%) had at least one enzyme value above the upper reference limit. Gamma glutamyl transferase (gamma GT) activity was elevated in 46% of the workers and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) in 52%. In a comparison between workers with high and low solvent exposure, the gamma GT and ASAT values were higher in the most exposed group (eg, gamma GT mean 108 versus 69 U.l-1, P > 0.05). Adjustment for confounding by alcohol consumption and body mass index eliminated the differences due to exposure. It was concluded that the measures of liver injury used did not demonstrate solvent-induced hepatic damage but that excessive alcohol consumption was an important factor.

Dust exposure and pneumoconiosis in a South African pottery. 1. Study objectives and dust exposure.

Dust exposure and pneumoconiosis were investigated in a South African pottery that manufactured wall tiles and bathroom fittings. This paper describes the objectives of the investigation and presents dust measurement data. x Ray diffraction showed that the clays used by the pottery had a high quartz content (range 58%-23%, mean 38%). Exposure to respirable dust was measured for 43 workers and was highest (6.6 mg/m3) in a bathroom fitting fettler. Quartz concentrations in excess of 0.1 mg/m3 were found in all sections of the manufacturing process from slip production to biscuit firing and sorting. The proportion of quartz in the respirable dust of these sections was 24% to 33%. This is higher than is usually reported in English potteries. Four hundred and six (80%) of the 509 workers employed at the pottery were potentially at risk of occupational lung disease. The finding of large numbers of pottery workers exposed to unacceptable dust concentrations is not surprising as poor dust control was found in all six wall tile and sanitary ware factories surveyed by the National Centre for Occupational Health between 1973 and 1989. Dust related occupational disease can be expected in potters for many years to come.

Accidental poisoning in childhood.

A study to determine the circumstances under which children ingested potentially noxious substances and also to ascertain the pharmacological nature and physical appearance of the substances was undertaken. The results suggest that depending on the watchfulness of adults alone is inadequate to prevent accidental poisoning. Measures to reduce the incidence, morbidity and mortality of childhood poisoning are discussed.

Coronary insufficiency in infancy and childhood.

Thirteen cases of coronary insufficiency diagnosed in childhood are presented. The aetiology, signs and symptoms and course of the patients are described. Some of the causes of coronary insufficiency are amenable to treatment.