Assessing the survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in unembalmed and embalmed human remains.

Anatomy and mortuary technical staff faces an ever existing risk of contracting an infectious disease, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), when exposed to human remains. The transfer and handling of a corpse expels air from the lungs of the diseased and this aerosolizes the bacilli. It is for this reason that personal protective equipment and work space precautions such as ultraviolet germicidal irradiation is a necessity. In this study, the authors explore the viability of MTB before and after embalming. Briefly, lung tissue samples, both apical and hilar, were obtained from 20 cadavers whose death certificate indicated MTB as cause of death. The first sample was taken before embalming and second set 3 weeks after embalming. Tissue was deposited into sterile specimen containers and transported for analysis which included Mycobacterium growth indicator tube cultures and polymerase chain reaction. Results demonstrated that both the apical and the perihilar sample tested positive prior to embalming, 36 days after death. After three weeks post-embalming none tested positive. The results demonstrated that MTB can remain viable after death for up to 36 days. This viability extends beyond the documented cases and highlights the need for precautionary measures and standard operating procedures in accordance with occupational health and safety guidelines.

Studies on the ability to taste phenylthiocarbamide; red-green colour blindness and the age at menarche in Johannesburg Chinese school children.

The sample, although small, represents the total number of children attending the Johannesburg Chinese Kuo Ting Primary and High School in 1972 to 1974. The frequency of the non-taster gene was found to be 0,167 in the combined male and female sample. The gene for red-green colour blindness is present in the Johannesburg Chinese population but at low frequnecy, 0,012. The mean age at menarche was found to be 12,8+/-1,23 years and is younger than the mean ages recorded for a number of Caucasoid populations. It is suggested that this difference in mean age reflects possibly varying genetic rather than varying socio-economic factors.

Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Viruses amongst Medical Practitioners in Bloemfontein; South Africa

Background : The possibility of occupational exposure to bloodborne viruses such as HIV; hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an everyday reality to health care workers. This study reports on doctors' extent and outcome of exposure to bloodborne viruses in Bloemfontein. Methods : descriptive study was done. Doctors (n=441) actively involved in public and/or private medical practice were requested to anonymously complete a questionnaire regarding occupational exposure to bloodborne viruses (HIV; HBV; and HCV). Results : A response rate of 51.7 was obtained. More than half (54.2; 95 CI [ 47.7 ; 60.5 ]) of respondents were exposed to bloodborne viruses; 48.3 occurring with HIV positive patients and 4.3with known HBV positive patients; and no positive HCV patients. After exposure occurred; 68.9 of patients were tested for HIV; 10.9 for HBV and only 4.2 for HCV infection. The frequency of serological testing for doctors immediately after exposure was 65.3 for HIV; 21.7 for HBV and 8.2 for HCV. No seroconversion to HIV or HCV was reported; while two seroconversions to HBV were reported. Most exposures occurred as a result of needle stick injury (85) and occurred in the operating theatre during . The majority (59.8procedures 59.3)of exposed doctors did not take any prophylactic treatment and those who did; did not always complete the treatmentConclusion : The risk of seroconversion to HIV after occupational exposure was as expected; while seroconversion to HBV was less than expected. The lack of adequate follow up serological testing after occupational exposure is alarming. It is the responsibility of the occupationally exposed doctor to adequately comply with prophylactic measures and undergo serological testing to ensure the least possible risk of contracting infection from a bloodborne virus