A population-based longitudinal study on the incidence and disease burden of gastroenteritis and Campylobacter and Salmonella infection in four regions of The Netherlands.

The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of gastroenteritis and Campylobacter and Salmonella infection in the Dutch population, the disease burden, and the percentage of patients with gastroenteritis that consults a general practitioner. A sample of 6243 persons was invited to participate in the study, i.e.

Prophylactic mupirocin could reduce orthopedic wound infections. 1,044 patients treated with mupirocin compared with 1,260 historical controls.

We analyzed the effect of perioperative elimination of nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus using mupirocin nasal ointment on the reduction of the postoperative wound infection rate in orthopedics. In an unblinded intervention trial, we compared 1,044 patients treated with mupirocin (intervention group) with 1,260 historical controls (control group). From each group a random sample of 50 patients was taken.

Surveillance of wound infections and a new theatre: unexpected lack of improvement.

In a new hospital, an operating theatre was designed, according to the best principles of infection control. An infection control nurse compared postoperative wound infection (PWI) rates before and after moving to the new site. PWI rates in clean general surgery were 28/1909 (1.

[Hepatitis-C virus antibody conversion in 3 hemodialysis patients in various dialysis departments].

In three haemodialysis patients, two women of 72 and 35 years and a man of 65 years, who were dialysed in three different dialysis departments, recent seroconversion of hepatitis C was observed. The source of the infection and the transmission route remained unknown.

Community-based study of the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases in The Netherlands.

The incidence of gastrointestinal diseases was studied in a community-based study in four regions of The Netherlands. Two grades of severity were distinguished--1: diarrhoea or vomiting and at least 2 additional symptoms within the period of 1 week, and 2: diarrhoea or vomiting and at least 2 additional symptoms occurring on the same day lasting at least 2 days within the period of 1 week. The incidence of gastrointestinal episodes was calculated to be 630 for grade 1 and 180 for grade 2 disease per 1000 person-years, after correction for age and sex.

Existing and emerging foodborne diseases.

Foodborne diseases, i.e. illnesses due to contaminated food, are one of the most widespread problems of the contemporary world.

Value of serology (ELISA and immunoblotting) for the diagnosis of Campylobacter pylori infection.

Fifty-two unselected patients referred to for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were evaluated in several ways to determine the presence of Campylobacter pylori. Antibodies against this microorganism were measured to assess the value of serology for the diagnosis of C. pylori infection.