RESUMO
A pandemic of staphylococcal infections occurred in the mid-twentieth century and spanned the years from about 1946 (with gradual subsidence) to about 1966. Staphylococcus aureus, originally sensitive to penicillin in 1942, demonstrated, more than other susceptible bacteria, a capacity for the development of antibiotic resistance. Hospital personnel became carriers of antibiotic-resistant staphylococci that contaminated newborn infants and hospitalized children and adults, who then became carriers and suffered an increasing incidence of suppurative disease. Asymptomatic carriers of antibiotic-resistant epidemic strains spread them into communities, with resulting infection of others. Newer antibiotics were developed, only to lose effectiveness as the staphylococci developed resistance. Local, national, and international programs emerged for the development of epidemiologic research, hospital surveillance, and education in methods of prevention and control. Carrier rates of S. aureus among hospital personnel remained approximately 33%, while the incidence of nosocomial staphylococcal infections declined. Staphylococcal pandemics may be cyclic in occurrence.
Assuntos
Controle de Doenças Transmissíveis/história , Infecção Hospitalar/história , Surtos de Doenças/história , Infecções Estafilocócicas/história , Infecção Hospitalar/epidemiologia , História do Século XX , Infecções Estafilocócicas/epidemiologia , Estados Unidos/epidemiologiaRESUMO
The incidence of human brucellosis has declined in the United States since 1974, when 6,321 cases were reported, to 175 cases reported in 1973. A resurgence occurred in 1974 and 1975, when 247 and 328 cases were reported, respectively. This increase followed an increase in incidence of bovine brucellosis as indicated by an increase from 4.3 reactors per 1,000 market cattle in 1971 to 6.8 in 1974. Recurrence occurred in 15 states that had been free of the disease, and increased incidence occurred in other states. A total of 16,401 infected herds were identified in 1975, and 90% of these were in 11 states. Migration of infected cattle occurs through market channels. Effective control of brucellosis leading to local eradication, which could be national in scope, is biologically feasible. Physicians have a responsible role in this eradication.
