[Understanding current practice of clinical medicine in the tropics (II). Bacterial and viral diseases. Malnutrition]. / Aspectos básicos en la práctica actual de la medicina clínica en el trópico (II). Enfermedades bacterianas y virales. Malnutrición.

In recent years, a significant number of physicians want to spend part of their medical training in health facilities in developing countries. In this setting, clinical skills are extremely important due to the limited available diagnostic resources. Bacterial diseases are common, but bacterial cultures are rarely accessible. In Africa, tuberculosis affects over 200 cases per 100,000 persons, and more than 22 million people live with HIV infection; both diseases are a serious public health problem. Malnutrition is endemic in many countries in Africa and is compounded by the continuous humanitarian and food crisis. In this paper, basic concepts of epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of major diseases that can be found in a rural health post in the tropics are discussed.

Tetanus in leprosy patients: report of five cases.

It has long been noted that tetanus is rare in leprosy patients. Five cases of tetanus are reported in leprosy patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Although natural immunity to tetanus occurs and this appears to be higher in leprosy patients than in the general population, it is not completely protective. Further research on the relationship between tetanus and leprosy is indicated. Although firm epidemiologic data are lacking, it is prudent to give leprosy patients at least one dose of tetanus toxoid.