MELS223 Lecture Notes - Streptococcus, Meninges, Penicillin
6 Sep 2013
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Occurrence, distribution and determinants of health and disease in a population. Questions : containment, how to treat the patient. Thought it was radioactive discharge but levels were too low to be causing cancer. Virus is part of the cause of cancer. 30 years later: epidemiological findings showed both theories were wrong. Fathers that worked at nuclear powerplant had twice the risk of cancer. If conclusion was virus, then preventative measures would have been very different- vaccine. Caused meningitis, pneumonia, bone and joint infection and septicaemia. When goes into subarachnoid space: bacteria multiply. Can infect through chorioamnion (membrane surrounding the sac) When umbilical cord cut blood, meninges. Studies showed: low prevalence of neonatal gbs infection in nz (0. 05%) but serious consequences. Mortality (1. 8%) is much lower than in 1970s (50%) treatment better. Young age and higher socio-economic class possible risk factors for maternal colonization. Conclusion : screen for maternal colonization and treat gbs +ve mother with penicillin during labour.
