178
11.1.2.3 Tetanus
Tetanus is an acute poisoning from a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani.
Symptoms are intermittent tonic spasms of voluntary muscles. The spasm of the
masseters accounts for the name “lockjaw” (trismus). Incubation requires 2–10 days.
The diagnosis is clinical. Treatment is with immune globulin and intensive support.
The only unbound toxin can be neutralized. A vaccine is available, with a good
extent of preventive protection.
11.1.3 New Infective Diseases
11.1.3.1 Ebola/Marburg Diseases
Marburg and Ebola are filoviruses that cause hemorrhage, multiple organ failure,
and high mortality rates. Diagnosis is with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,
PCR, or electron microscopy. Treatment is supportive. Strict isolation and quarantine measures are necessary to contain outbreaks. Incubation 5–10 days. Marburg
virus has been identified in bats and primates. Human to human transmission occurs
via skin and mucous membranes contact (humans/primates). Filoviruses can affect
intestines (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), respiratory tract (cough, pharyngitis), liver
(jaundice), CNS (delirium, stupor, coma), and cause hemorrhagic phenomena (petechiae, frank bleeding) with high mortality rates (up to 90% with Ebola virus).
Survivors recover very slowly and may develop long-lasting complications (hepatitis, uveitis, orchitis) with only supportive care available. No specific antivirals nor
vaccines are available for filovirus infections.
11.1.3.2 Influenza Virus, with New Strains, Continuously Appearing
Last but not least, we must now mention influenza! Flu viruses are in nature among
the most rapidly changing (mutating) organisms through their ability to infect a
variety of hosts: birds (migrating waterfowl -ducks-, stantial poultry -chickens-),
mammals (pigs, felines), and humans. In southeast Asia (mostly in China, but also
in Viet-Nam, Laos, Thailand, etc.), it is widespread to have mixed farms of pigs,
poultry and ducks, attended by humans. Every year, new strains appear in SE-Asia
is favored by the reciprocal passage between migrating birds (mostly fowl), pigs,
and chickens, with exposure of many humans in farms, markets, rooster fighting
sports, and food preparation places.
A common say in China tells that “Anything with four legs (except chairs), and
anything that flies (except airplanes) can be eaten.” With this philosophy, there is
generally a lot to be desired in food safety and general hygienic prevention in such
geographical areas.
M. Bologna et al.
11.1.2.3 Tetanus
Tetanus is an acute poisoning from a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani.
Symptoms are intermittent tonic spasms of voluntary muscles. The spasm of the
masseters accounts for the name “lockjaw” (trismus). Incubation requires 2–10 days.
The diagnosis is clinical. Treatment is with immune globulin and intensive support.
The only unbound toxin can be neutralized. A vaccine is available, with a good
extent of preventive protection.
11.1.3 New Infective Diseases
11.1.3.1 Ebola/Marburg Diseases
Marburg and Ebola are filoviruses that cause hemorrhage, multiple organ failure,
and high mortality rates. Diagnosis is with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,
PCR, or electron microscopy. Treatment is supportive. Strict isolation and quarantine measures are necessary to contain outbreaks. Incubation 5–10 days. Marburg
virus has been identified in bats and primates. Human to human transmission occurs
via skin and mucous membranes contact (humans/primates). Filoviruses can affect
intestines (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), respiratory tract (cough, pharyngitis), liver
(jaundice), CNS (delirium, stupor, coma), and cause hemorrhagic phenomena (petechiae, frank bleeding) with high mortality rates (up to 90% with Ebola virus).
Survivors recover very slowly and may develop long-lasting complications (hepatitis, uveitis, orchitis) with only supportive care available. No specific antivirals nor
vaccines are available for filovirus infections.
11.1.3.2 Influenza Virus, with New Strains, Continuously Appearing
Last but not least, we must now mention influenza! Flu viruses are in nature among
the most rapidly changing (mutating) organisms through their ability to infect a
variety of hosts: birds (migrating waterfowl -ducks-, stantial poultry -chickens-),
mammals (pigs, felines), and humans. In southeast Asia (mostly in China, but also
in Viet-Nam, Laos, Thailand, etc.), it is widespread to have mixed farms of pigs,
poultry and ducks, attended by humans. Every year, new strains appear in SE-Asia
is favored by the reciprocal passage between migrating birds (mostly fowl), pigs,
and chickens, with exposure of many humans in farms, markets, rooster fighting
sports, and food preparation places.
A common say in China tells that “Anything with four legs (except chairs), and
anything that flies (except airplanes) can be eaten.” With this philosophy, there is
generally a lot to be desired in food safety and general hygienic prevention in such
geographical areas.
M. Bologna et al.