1/7. Human brucellosis.BACKGROUND: Human brucellosis has a serious medical impact worldwide, and its eradication poses major difficulties. Although human brucellosis is relatively rare in the United States (approximately 100 cases per year), there is concern that this disease is largely underdiagnosed and underreported. Additionally, immigrants from endemic areas are arriving to this country, and Brucella species are considered to be biologic agents for terrorism. Human brucellosis affects all age-groups, and family physicians are not well versed in recognizing and treating this potentially life-threatening condition. methods: A literature review from 1975 to 2001 was performed using the key words "human brucellosis," "zoonosis," and "bioterrorism." RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate antimicrobial therapy and duration of treatment of human brucellosis will reduce morbidity, prevent complications, and diminish relapses. Because of the nonspecific symptoms and rarity of human brucellosis in the United States, family physicians must acquire a detailed dietary and occupational history to diagnose the disease promptly. family physicians must assume a responsible role in reporting this disease, as well as be aware of persons at high-risk for this disease and the potential sources of infection.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/7. Laboratory outbreak of q fever.An outbreak of q fever in a university department where sheep placentas were being used for research is described. Of six persons exposed to the sheep, four had positive titers with only one person developing an acute febrile illness and liver disease. This report illustrates the value of the family physician obtaining an occupational history and conducting an outbreak investigation.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.33333333333333keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/7. Implications of presumptive fatal rocky mountain spotted fever in two dogs and their owner.A dog was examined because of petechiation, an inability to stand, pale mucous membranes, a possible seizure, and thrombocytopenia. Tick-borne illness was suspected, but despite treatment, the dog died. Eight days later, a second dog owned by the same individual also died. The dog was not examined by a veterinarian, but rocky mountain spotted fever (RMSF) was suspected on the basis of clinical signs. Two weeks after the second dog died, the owner was examined because of severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy, and a fine rash on the body, face, and trunk. Despite intensive treatment for possible RMSF, the owner died. Although results of an assay for antibodies to rickettsia rickettsii were negative, results of polymerase chain reaction assays of liver, spleen, and kidney samples collected at autopsy were positive for spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. These cases illustrate how dogs may serve as sentinels for RMSF in humans and point out the need for better communication between physicians and veterinarians when cases of potentially zoonotic diseases are seen.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.33333333333333keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/7. Ornithonyssus (acari: Macronyssidae) mite dermatitis in poultry field-workers in Almarg, Qalyobiya governorate.Cutaneous manifestations of bird and rat mite infestation in man are not easily recognized by physicians or patients. Clinical signs and symptoms are developed secondary to bites of mites that have infested rats, domestic poultry or birds nesting in or near human habitation and comes into contact with man. This study details 4 cases of pruritic dermatitis developed in four field workers in poultry farms in Al-Marg district, Qalyobia governorate, egypt. The zoonotic species of Ornithoyssus sp., (family Macronyssidae) was isolated from all samples collected from patients' habitat and the role played by Ornithonyssus mites in causing dermatitis in man was discussed.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.33333333333333keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
5/7. A cluster of anthrax cases including meningitis.We report a common-source outbreak of anthrax. The source of infection was the carcass of a cow. Three patients developed anthrax, which affects meninx, skin and larynx. The patient with meningitis died. In all, 20 people who contacted or ate the cooked meat of the dead cow were given prophylactic tetracycline and remained well. This small outbreak calls for the increased awareness of physicians to this clinical entity in locations in which anthrax is endemic and for health education.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.33333333333333keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
6/7. Dysgonic Fermenter-type 2: an emerging zoonosis. Report of two cases and review.We report Dysgonic Fermenter-type 2 septicaemia presenting in two previously healthy individuals, and review 52 cases of infection with Dysgonic Fermenter-type 2 reported in the English language literature. This zoonosis is usually acquired through contact with dogs and cats. infection often presents with little warning to patient or physician and carries a high mortality. The immunosuppressed patient, those without a spleen, alcoholics and those with chronic disease appear to be most susceptible, although the healthy individual is also prone to infection. The infection is probably underdiagnosed due to difficulties in isolating Dysgonic Fermenter-type 2 by conventional blood culture techniques. Clinical and microbiological awareness is of prime importance in the early diagnosis of this potentially lethal infection.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.33333333333333keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
7/7. brucella canis: an infectious cause of prolonged fever of undetermined origin.We have reported a case documenting the difficulties encountered in diagnosing and treating patients with brucellosis caused by brucella canis, including the nonspecific clinical presentation, low level of intermittent bacteremias, the slow-growing, fastidious nature of the organism, and the lack of antigenic cross-reactivity with the antigens usually used in routine Brucella serology. Further, the predominant southeastern united states epidemiology of this organism and the importance of exposure to dogs are also demonstrated by this report. It is important that physicians caring for patients in this region of the country be aware of the epidemiologic, serologic, and microbiologic pitfalls encountered in diagnosing B canis infections.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.33333333333333keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |