Evidence for the presence of bluetongue virus in Kosovo between 2001 and 2004.

In 2001, clinical cases of bluetongue were observed in Kosovo, and in that year and in 2003 and 2004, serum samples were collected from cattle and small ruminants and tested for antibodies to bluetongue virus. The results provide evidence that bluetongue virus was not present in Kosovo before the summer of 2001, but that the virus circulated subclinically among the cattle and sheep populations of Kosovo in 2002, 2003 and 2004.

Survey of the prevalence of Salmonella species on laying hen farms in Kosovo.

A survey on the prevalence of Salmonella (S) species was carried out on 39 layer farms in Kosovo between April and September 2012. In total 367 samples, comprising feces, dust, eggs, and internal organs from dead birds, were investigated using bacteriological culture methods. Additionally, data on the location of the farm, the total number of birds on the farm, age of birds, and laying performance were collected. Salmonella were isolated from 38 samples obtained from 19 (49%) farms. The most common serovar identified was Salmonella enteritidis, found on 18 farms. The most common S. enteritidis phage type was PT29 followed by PT6, PT7, PT21, PT13a, PT8, PT14b, and PT4. One S. enteritidis isolate was not typable. Six farms had more than one phage type. Furthermore, serovar S. Bovismorbificans also was found in samples from 3 farms. Flock size or production stage was not associated with the probability of isolating Salmonella. The only flock factor found to be significantly associated was percent hen/day production: It was 2.8 times more likely to isolate Salmonella from flocks with production above 80% hen/day production compared to flocks producing at a lower level. Analysis of antimicrobial resistance patterns of 30 isolates revealed that all isolates were sensitive to gentamicin, ampicillin, sulphamethoxazole trimethoprim, and oxytetracycline, and 29 (97%) were sensitive to ciprofloxacin. All isolates showed intermediate resistance or were resistant to minocycline and cloxacillin. Twenty-six isolates (86%) had intermediate resistance to amoxicillin and 27 isolates (90%) were fully resistant to streptomycin. The present survey revealed a high prevalence of Salmonella enteritidis in layer flocks in Kosovo, indicating that table eggs have to be suspected as an important source of human salmone-llosis.

Aspergillus osteomyelitis of the spine.

Aspergillosis involving either the vertebral body or the intervertebral disc is a rare cause of osteomyelitis of the spine. The following is a report of five cases of Aspergillus fumigatus infection of the spine treated successfully with amphotericin B and 5-flucytosine. In three patients, the diagnosis was established at closed-needle biopsy; two patients with paraplegia had an anterior decompression and fusion. The follow-up period ranged from 19 to 48 months.

Carpal tunnel syndrome in black South Africans.

The incidence and the aetiology of chronic carpal tunnel syndrome in black South Africans was evaluated. This study showed that the incidence of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome was very low in this population group and that most patients who presented with symptoms and signs of chronic carpal tunnel syndrome had a specific pathology. A rare case of tumoral calcinosis causing carpal tunnel syndrome is presented. A case of perineural lipofibroma causing carpal tunnel syndrome is also described.

Chronic shoulder dislocations.

Thirty-two patients with chronic dislocation of the shoulder were diagnosed over a 5-year period at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa. Thirty-one patients had an anterior subcoracoid dislocation. One patient had a chronic posterior dislocation. The duration of dislocation ranged from 6 days to 2 years. Six patients were epileptic, and it was an affliction of all ages. None of the patients had a vascular deficit, but 4 had neurologic damage on presentation. Closed manipulation was only successful in 1 patient. Ten patients' shoulders were left unreduced in the dislocated position. Twenty-one patients, including the patient with a single posterior dislocation, underwent open reduction. The author treated 10 patients with chronic anterior dislocations surgically. The coracoid was transferred to the glenoid, and acromiohumeral K-wire fixation was used for 4 weeks in this group. These 10 cases, as well as 5 cases left unreduced, were followed up for more than 2 years. The results were evaluated by the system proposed by Rowe and Zarins and showed that surgically treated patients fared better than those whose shoulders were left unreduced regardless of the duration of the dislocation or the age of the patient. This series differs from previous reports in several respects. All but one of the dislocations were anterior, the incidence of epilepsy was lower, and successful reduction by manipulation was rarely achieved. In all 10 cases in which the author performed the operation, the shoulder was successfully relocated without neurovascular complications. Dissection of the axillary vessels and nerves was never necessary.

Severe soccer injuries in amateurs.

OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the number and type of severe soccer injuries admitted to King Edward Hospital in South Africa over 42 months. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all patients admitted for treatment or observation to the orthopaedic unit only. Patients treated as outpatients, irrespective of severity, are also presented for comparison. RESULTS: Thirty two patients were admitted with severe injuries. The injuries included 18 fractures of the tibial and femoral shaft. Two tibial shaft fractures were compound. Four tibial plateau fractures and five epiphyseal injuries were identified. One patient had a fracture-dislocation of the hip. One patient with a popliteal artery injury presented 48 hours after the injury had occurred. He had an above knee amputation. In the same period 122 patients were treated as outpatients. The types of injury in this group were similar to soccer injuries reported in other countries. CONCLUSIONS: Very serious injuries are sustained by casual soccer players in South Africa. Urgent measures need to be taken to prevent such injuries.

Brachial plexus lesions in soldiers--the 'sandbag palsy'. A report of 5 cases.

The development of brachial plexus palsy in 5 young men undergoing military training is described. In all cases the posterior cord was predominantly involved and the lesions were the result of repetitive traction, which occurred when the recruits ran approximately 20 km while carrying 50 kg sandbags behind the neck across the shoulders. In this position the shoulders were abducted and externally rotated, while the forearm was fully pronated, i.e. the palms were facing upwards and the fingers backwards. All patients recovered fully once the offending exercise programme was stopped. Military personnel should modify training methods to prevent such lesions in future.

Simultaneous dislocation of the interphalangeal joints. A report of 2 cases.

Dislocations involving both proximal and distal interphalangeal joints in only one finger are rare. Two such cases are presented; the one was treated conservatively and the other surgically. Early reduction is mandatory for a good functional hand.

Results of surgical decompression in chronic tuberculous paraplegia.

The results of surgical decompression in 117 patients with chronic tuberculous paraplegia, defined as paraplegia persisting for more than 3 months, were reviewed. After surgery 90 patients were able to walk. Significant findings at surgery were marked extradural fibrosis with very little caseation and pus. The study showed that paraplegia of greater than 6 months' duration was associated with a poor result. There were no cases of reactivation of the disease in the follow-up period ranging from 1 year to 4 years.