Rabies Transmission by Oral and Other Non-bite Routes

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Rabies Transmission by Oral and Other Non-bite Routes

Rabies transmission by oral route is a queer mode of infection. Reports of oral transmission are infrequent and hence need elaborate discussion. Evidences of such transmission have been well documented in men. Transmission of rabies virus to humans by ingestion of milk from a rabid mother has been reported. A woman in early stage of rabies transmitted the disease to her nursing baby.

Transplacental transmission is another unique mode of spread of this disease. Transplacental transmission was observed in an infant born of a Turkish woman who died of rabies following dog bite. Authentic reports of airborne infection are available. In 1956 an entomologist who frequently visited bat infested caves in USA for research studies developed laboratory proven rabies after aerosol inhalation. Out of two instances of rabies transmitted to laboratory workers by aerosol inhalation, one recovered after intensive therapy but the other died.

Rabies virus has been isolated from several body fluids like saliva, tracheal and nasal secretions, tear, CSF, urinary sediment, etc, from laboratory proved case of human rabies. None the less rabies transmission from human patients to healthy contacts is extremely rare.One important mode of non-bite transmission from man to man is by corneal transplantation from unrecognised infected donor. Several cases have been observed since the first case was reported in 1979. Public health importance of oral and other non-bite routes of infection is worth considering. Consumption of infected milk from a rabid cow is not uncommon because consumers become aware of disease in an animal only after using milk for several days. However, reported instances of rabies among cow milk consumers are rare because boiling of milk is a common practice in endemic countries, which is adequate to destroy the virus. None the less under certain circumstances such as wrestlers in the Northern India and for worship purpose in Eastern States only raw milk is used when comsumers are exposed to the risk of infection. In such a situation rabies prophylaxis is mandatory.

Under no circumstances should a cornea be transplanted from a donor, who died of an undiagnosed neurological disorder. Medical, nursing personnels, laboratory workers, and other attendants should use gowns, gloves, goggles for personal protection. In the event of unavoidable exposure immunisation against rabies must not be omitted.

Rabies Vaccination

Rabies Transmission by Oral and Other Non-bite Routes

Avoid Herbs Before Surgery

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Avoid Herbs Before Surgery

Popping some herbal supplements before going on the operating table may not be a good idea.
Some popular herbs appear to prolong anesthesia, increase bleeding during surgery and cause changes in blood pressure, researchers report at the American Society for Anesthesiologists meeting in Dallas. The report is based on a survey of 979 patients about to undergo surgery. Dr. Charles McLeskey, an anethesiologist at Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Pa., found 17 percent took at least one herbal product.
Anethesiologists and researchers recommend patients tell their surgeons about all herbal products they use, including prescription and over-the-counter remedies. The most common herbal remedies used by patients were Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Ginger and Ginseng, which all appear to prevent blood clotting and may lead to more blood loss during surgery.
St. John’s Wort and Kava may extend the effects of anesthesia.

Herbal supplements may cause dangerous complications during Plastic Surgery
A large number of people use natural herbs for various medical problems. Although natural herbs are supposed to enhance immune system, they may prove dangerous in some situations.

A study in February’s Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), states that many of the so called harmless herbs may cause dangerous side effects during plastic surgery.

Usually when a patient is asked by a doctor about his medication before a surgery it is often assumed by the patient that these herbal products are harmless and thus fail to  mention them to the doctor.

Substances often used by patients are:-

Chondroitin is one substance which is often used to treat osteoarthritis. People using chondroitin may suffer from bleeding complications during surgery, particularly when used in combination with doctor-prescribed blood-thinning medications.

Ephedra is used for asthma and bronchitis. It is now banned in US for its complications such as raised BP, palpitation, heart attacks.

Echinacea is often used for the prevention and treatment of viral, bacterial and fungal infections, as well as chronic wounds, ulcers and arthritis. However, it can trigger immunosuppression, causing poor wound healing and infection.

Glucosamine, often offered in conjunction with chondroitin, contains chemical elements that mimic human insulin, and may artificially cause hypoglycemia during surgery.

Other common supplements taken by patients that may cause dangerous side effects included gingko biloba, goldenseal, milk thistle, ginseng, kava and garlic.

Adverse effects of Amphetamines

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Adverse effects of Amphetamines

Amphetamine, Dextroamphetamine, Methamphetamine.

Amphetamines are central nervous system stimulant.  Amphetamines  (dexedrine) are being miss used by many.  Psychological dependence and tolerance may occur with amphetamines following prolonged use or high doses.

Amphetamines are used in the treatment of Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Amphetamines are indicated as an integral part of a total treatment program that includes other remedial measures (psychological, educational, social) for a stabilizing effect in children  with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, characterized by moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, emotional lability, and impulsivity.

Due to their high potential for abuse, amphetamines are not recommended for use as appetite suppressants. Amphetamines should not be used to combat fatigue or to replace rest in normal subjects.

More frequent adverse effects
CNS stimulation – false sense of well-being; irritability; nervousness; restlessness; trouble in sleeping, drowsiness, fatigue, trembling, or mental depression may follow the stimulant effects.

With prolonged use or high doses
Cardiomyopathy – chest discomfort or pain; difficulty in breathing; dizziness or feeling faint; irregular or pounding heartbeat; unusual tiredness or weakness. Irregular heart beat.

Increase in blood pressure

Psychotic reactions – mood or mental changes

Less frequent adverse effects

Allergic reaction – skin rash or hives

Chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeat; increased sweating

Tourette’s syndrome – uncontrolled movements of the head, neck, arms, and legs

Hyperthermia – extremely high body temperature

Blurred vision

Changes in sexual desire or decreased sexual ability

Constipation, diarrhea loss of appetite nausea stomach cramps or pain, weight loss, vomiting, dizziness lightheadedness headache; dryness of mouth or unpleasant taste.

Symptoms indicating possible withdrawal – after medication is discontinued

Mental depression; nausea stomach cramps or pain vomiting; trembling; unusual tiredness or weakness

Body builder – had Stroke after taking energy suppliments
Warning About Body Building Supplement

Body builder – had Stroke after taking energy suppliments

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Body builder – had Stroke after taking energy suppliments

The 33-year old young man, who used to train two hours daily as a body builder, purchased energy supplements over the counter. The MaHuang supplement contained 20 mg of ephedra, 200 mg caffeine, and other compounds. Each day, the man took four to six of these pills, as well as a daily creatine supplement containing 6000 mg of the drug. The man, who worked as a baggage handler in an airport, had the stroke about six weeks after starting to take the supplements. He awoke one morning unable to speak, and with weakness in his right arm and the right side of his face. Brain scans showed that he had had a stroke, where the blood supply to part of his brain had been cut off, perhaps by a clot. The patient had no vascular risk factors, in particular no tobacco use, and he was perfectly fit until his stroke.

The supplements he was taking, however, have been associated with adverse side effects. Ephedrine has been linked to stroke, heart attack and psychosis. Large doses of caffeine also affect the heart. Although cardiovascular problems have not been reported with creatine, the drug may have negative effects when combined with supplements, particularly those that affect the sympathetic nervous system. Creatine has also led to kidney problems.

Dangers of Creatine
Warning About Body Building Supplement
Adverse effects of Amphetamines

Dangers of Creatine

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Dangers of Creatine

Creatine has become a popular nutritional supplement among school student athletes. These young men are using this suppliment without realising its possible benefits and hazards. Most students who take, do so in hopes of improving their athletic performance, their appearance or their endurance and body building. The effectiveness of this suppliment remains unproven.

Creatine is naturally produced by the liver, kidney and pancreas and plays a role in muscle contraction. When taken as a supplement, creatine can cause water retention and cramping.Two youngsters are known to have suffered kidney failure in the last 3 years after taking creatine.

French researchers report in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry – A stroke in a young body builder who took pills sold as energy supplements suggests that these pills may cause stroke. The risk may be greatest when the supplements are used in combination, the researchers suggest.

The sports community should be alert to the danger of such supplements as MaHuang extract and creatine, which are popular among athletes in a number of countries.

The safety of long-term creatine use is uncertain. A recent case report in the Lancet (April 25, 1998) describes a young man whose kidney problems worsened when he took creatine. There have also been three fatalities among college wrestlers using creatine. Whether the supplement contributed to the deaths remains unclear.

Instead of taking creatine, youngsters should go in for a program of weight training, which can safely improve performance by 30% to 40%.

Body builder – had Stroke after taking energy suppliments
Warning About Body Building Supplement
Adverse effects of Amphetamines