Genetic and antigenic studies on Haemophilus parasuis

Haemophilus parasuis, an organism dependent upon nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) or V-factor for in-vitro growth, is the causative agent of porcine polyserositis and arthritis (Glasser's disease) (Nicolet, 1992). The principal lesions associated with this disease are fibrinous or serofibrinous meningitis, serositis, pleuritis, pericarditis, peritonitis and arthritis that can occur in various combinations or occasionally singly (Nicolet, 1992)

Serological characterisation of Haemophilus parasuis isolates from Australian pigs

A total of 31 isolates of Haemophilus parasuis obtained from Australian pigs were serotyped by the Kielstein-rapp-gabrielson scheme. The isolates were assigned to serovar 1 (1 isolate), serovar 2 (1 isolate), serovar 4 (4 isolates), serovar 5 (7 isolates), serovar 9 (2 isolates), serovar 10/7 (4 isolates), serovar 12 (1 isolate) and serovar 13 (6 isolates). The remaining 5 isolates could not be assigned to a serovar. Two different serovars (5 and 13) were detected in one herd. The only 2 isolates obtained from clinically normal pigs (from the same herd) were serovar 9. The common serovars were isolated from pigs with pneumonia as well as from pigs with conditions of the Glasser's disease type. The serological heterogeneity amongst Australian isolates of H parasuits has important implications for the use of vaccines to control Glasser's disease

Early detection and prevention of delirium in older patients with cancer

Delirium poses a common and multifactorial complication in older patients with cancer. Delirium independently contributes to poorer clinical outcomes and impedes communication between patients with cancer, their family and health care providers. Because of its clinical impact and potential reversibility, efforts for prevention, early recognition or prompt treatment are critical. However, nurses and other health care providers often fail to recognize delirium or misattribute its symptoms to dementia, depression or old age. Yet, failure to determine an individual's risk for delirium can initiate the cascade of negative events causing additional distress for patients, family and health care providers alike. Therefore, parameters for determining an individual's risk for delirium and guidelines for the routine and systematic assessment of cognitive functioning are provided to form a basis for the prompt and accurate diagnosis of delirium. Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of delirium are also discussed