Volume 14
Latest Issue (2024)
Q&A
19/06/2024
A Question about the Important Changes on Influenza Vaccine Supplies for UK General Practice
Dr George Kassianos CBE
Clinical Practise
14/05/2024
Mistakes and misunderstandings in pre-travel consultations – common areas of confusion
Alys Bunce RGN, PGCE. Freelance clinical trainer
Travel health can be a huge topic to know a lot of things about, whilst trying to navigate many other subjects at the same time. Written by an experienced trainer in the field of travel health, this article explores some of the common misunderstandings that often come up during courses during travel health consultations in the UK.
Q&A
25/04/2024
Q&A April 2024 on the Influenza Immunisation Contract
Dr George Kassianos CBE
Book Review
11/03/2024
Oxford Handbook of EXPEDITION AND WILDERNESS MEDICINE
Dr Jane Wilson-Howarth
Book Review of Oxford Handbook of EXPEDITION AND WILDERNESS MEDICINE
Research
17/03/2024
Can cultural influences cause disease and illness?
Mike Townend MB, ChB (Hons), Dip Trav Med, FFTM RCPS(Glasg), Hon Fellow BGTHA, Hon Clinical Senior Lecturer, University of Glasgow
Abstract
Traditional medical teaching has long focused on the biomedical causation of disease, and in more recent times the biopsychosocial model has become recognised. This article addresses the contribution of cultural factors, not only in the presentation of disease, but also in its causation. Attention is drawn to the importance of addressing a patient’s cultural background in cross-cultural consultations.
Case Study
9/03/2024
Bugs, Bites and Nasties
Iain McIntosh BA(Hons), MB ChB, FFTM RCPS (Glasg), Hon Fellow BGTHA
Abstract
Describes five case studies relating to insect bites: tungiasis, bed bug bites, pulex irritans (human fleas), Horner’s syndrome resulting from Lyme disease, midge bites
Clinical Practise
7/02/2024
The Virtual Doctors Using Telemedicine to Improve Health Inequalities
Daniel Grace MBBS, BSc (Hons), Dip EWM, DTMH, MRCGP, MFTM RCPS(Glasg)
Abstract
Awaiting
Case Study
05/02/2024
Toxicological encounters in Papua New Guinea.
John Richens, FRCPE
Abstract
A selection of toxicological incidents encountered by the author in Papua New Guinea during the 1980s is presented. Toxins related to lifestyle include Clostridium perfringens Type B toxin, the cause of pigbel (a necrotizing enteritis of children), an unidentified toxin in spoiled sago causing acute intravascular haemolysis and accidental carbon monoxide poisoning arising in a vehicle with leaking exhaust. Two contrasting causes of paralysis are discussed: hypokalaemic periodic paralysis, induced by carbohydrate overload, and neurotoxic envenomation caused by the Papuan death adder. Self inflicted poisonings include suicide attempts with paraquat and battery acid and a mass poisoning incident caused by consumption of a methanol-isopropanol mixture at a party. Also discussed are a drug-induced oculogyric crisis in a patient developing hepatitis A and a mysterious dilated pupil contracted by the author, possibly from a trumpet flower.
Case Study
20/01/2024
Tales of schistosomiasis including a close encounter with Schistosoma haematobium and a mistaken diagnosis of schistosomiasis from a liver biopsy.
Abstract
This article reports the rapid diagnosis by microscopy of infection with Schistoma haematobium in a recently returned Peace Corps volunteer presenting to a UK sexual clinic with lumpy semen after swimming in Lake Malawi. The article goes on to describe a morphological misdiagnosis of schistosomiasis by a pathologist who examined a biopsy specimen taken in a non-endemic area and mistook ascaris eggs for schistosome ova. The article is accompanied by snippets of medical history including the observation of live larvae by Theodor Bilharz in the 1850s, the heroic self-experimentation of Claude Barlow and ingenious Japanese experiments to work out the mode of transmission of schistosomiasis in cattle.
Review
16/01/2024
Air pollution – a problem for travellers?
Mike Townend MB, ChB (Hons), Dip Trav Med, FFTM RCPS(Glasg), Hon Fellow BGTHA, Hon Clinical Senior Lecturer, University of Glasgow
Abstract
Outdoor air pollution is a major environmental health problem affecting everyone in low, middle and high income countries. Some of the most important air pollutants are particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds. This paper examines the origins of these pollutants and their effects on human health, dealing in particular with particulate matter of 2.5 microns in size (PM2.5). The geographical distribution of air pollution and its relevance to the health of travellers are discussed.