A survey of parasites in primary school children in Dominica, West Indies

A study of Dominican school children aged four to twelve years showed that infection with gastrointestinal parasites was very common. Trichuris was found in the stools in 92 percent of the children. Ascaris in 38 percent, Nectar in 11 percent, Giardia in 18 percent and E. histolytica in 1 percent. In spite of the high prevalence of parasites, the general health of children studied was remarkably good, and only 18 of the 1000 children were found to have a haemoglobin level below 10g/dl (Summary)

Amoebic liver abscess: a clinical and pathological study

The first report of the clinical and pathological features of 27 cases of amoebic liver abscesses in Dominica is presented, and some epidemiological aspects of the disease in the Caribbean are discussed. The diagnostic importance of needle biopsy and needle aspiration of the liver is stressed. It is our opinion that these procedures are safe and are of both diagnostic and therapeutic value in amoebic liver abscesses (AU)

An analysis of infections and infestations in Dominica, West Indies

An analysis of infections and infestations in Dominica indicates that these were major health problems. The common diseases were gastro-enteritis, typhoid fever, amoebiasis, and helminthiasis. Hospital bacteriological investigations showed a pattern similar to that seen elsewhere in the Commonwealth Caribbean. A striking feature was the obvious need for proper assessment of antibiotic sensitivity patterns. For example, staphylococci were sensitive to penicillin in 40 percent of cases, a situation which is far different from that which is at present observed in North America. This survey was carried out in collaboration with physicians practising in Dominica, and their years of experience of the local situation allowed the authors of this paper to introduce perspectives and priorities which are not usually possible in publications based entirely on figures reported by statistical departments. Recent improvements in clinical and laboratory services in Dominica have made accurate diagnosis possible in most cases except those in which virological studies were necessary (AU)

A review of surgical pathology at Princess Margaret Hospital, Dominica 1968-9 - abstract

The data which compromise this review come from the Princess Margaret Hospital which is the main medical centre in Dominica (population 70,000). There were 420 surgical specimens in 1968 and 602 in 1969. The congenital lesions were confined to the skin and thyroid. Inflammatory lesions were present in all organ systems. Cervicitis and salpingitis were most frequent. Acute inflammation was found in 7 of 82 appendices removed. Neoplatic lesions were mostly benign with uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts being most common. Carcinoma of the cervix was the most common malignant tumour. There was a surprisingly high incidence of hepatic carcinoma (AU)

Amebiasis in Dominica

The clinical features and the complications of E. Histolytica infection in Dominica are presented. This is based on a review of 61 cases seen at Princess Margaret Hospital, during the period 1959-1961. Hepatitis and liver abscesses were the commonest complications and the clinical details of such cases are presented (AU)