Tetanus is becoming rarer in both industrialized and developing nations due to an effective vaccination program. In 2010, the World Health Organization estimated there was a 93% reduction in newborns dying from tetanus worldwide, compared to the situation in the late 1980s. Due to its rarity, many diagnostic delays occur as physicians may not consider the diagnosis until the manifestations beco...

There is evidence in both murine and human lupus that the production of anti-DNA antibodies may be triggered by environmental antigens. To explore this further, we studied the serum of 10 nonautoimmune individuals immunized with a polyvalent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. All 10 patients showed a rise in the titer of antipneumococcal antibodies bearing an anti-DNA-associated idiotype. The...

A method is described whereby about 100 litres of plasma containing 10-50 IU/ml tetanus antitixin was obtained, from which were prepared 5000 X 250 IU doses of human antitetanus immunoglobulin. Of 40 blood donors who received a booster injection of tetanus vaccine BP, 33 were plasmapheresed each week over a 10-12 week period starting three weeks after the injection. Twenty-two of these donors p...

Influenza A virus causes recurring seasonal epidemics and occasional influenza pandemics. Because of changes in envelope glycoprotein Ags, neutralizing Abs induced by inactivated vaccines provide limited cross-protection against new viral serotypes. However, prior influenza infection induces heterosubtypic immunity that accelerates viral clearance of a second strain, even if the external protei...

Five cases of adder bites are presented. The clinical effects and current recommendations for the treatment of adder bites are described based on a review of previously published literature. All adder bites, or snake bites of unknown species, should be observed for a minimum of 2 h. Those with no local swelling may be allowed home with appropriate antitetanus prophylaxis. Patients with local re...

saffron (zaaferan), botanical name crocus sativus, is the most expensive spice in the world. it is derived from the dried stigma and pistil of the purple saffron crocus flowers. iran is the largest saffron producer accounting for more than 80% of the world's production. saffron contains an aeroallergen that causes reactive respiratory allergic reactions in atopic subjects. igg antibody to aller...

OBJECTIVES To determine maternal and neonatal specific antibody levels to selected vaccine-preventable infections (pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), tetanus and pneumococcus). DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING A UK secondary care maternity unit (March 2011-January 2012). PARTICIPANTS Mothers and infants within 72 h of delivery were eligible. Unwell individuals, mother...