Polymicrobial infections associated with diarrhoea are common in developing countries. Stool specimens were collected from 220 patient children and 100 controls. Potential pathogenic agents isolated from 143 (65%) children were identified by molecular and standard microbiological methods. Co-infections with two or more agents were detected in 50 (35%) cases. Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Giardia and Entamoeba histolytica were found to be predominant. The etiologic agents could not be determined in 77 (35%) cases. The most significant risk factors were the age, the education level of the mother and the use of non-chlorinated water. The high infection rate of diarrhoeal diseases is a strong indication that these pathogens circulate easily through the population.

A total of 2,725 healthcare workers in 8 Mediterranean countries replied to a self-assessment questionnaire that assessed their perceptions on hand hygiene. Responses revealed that rates of hand hygiene compliance before patient contact were significantly less than rates after patient contact (P < .001) and that use of soap and water was preferred over use of alcohol-based hand rub. These findings suggest that self-protection could be a major subliminal driver for performance of hand hygiene.

No abstract

After repeated injections the effect of BTX-A remained constant. The cause of repeat treatment is relapse of overactive bladder symptoms. Results with the 500 and 1,000 IU doses were interesting and approximately equivalent in terms of duration and efficacy, with better but not significant results when 1,000 IU was used. The optimum dose of Dysport for incontinence secondary to NDO is not yet defined; 1,000 IU probably has a nonsignificant longer effect than 500 IU but may expose the patient to major complications. Further studies evaluating the clinical efficacy of 750 IU of Dysport are necessary.