Ampicillin for persistent typhoid excreters, including a clinical trial in convalescence.

Abstract

Chronic Enteric Carriers-Sharp CriBRITISH 555 optimum size for a public health department to have an infectious diseases epidemiological section, whose medical staff can devote some time and effort to the management of chronic enteric carriers. There is no doubt in my mind that a close liaison with carriers is very desirable for all concerned. This should of course be primarily the responsibility of the medical officer of health rather than the individual family doctors. The relationship should begin in hospital with all enteric cases, whether they subsequently become carriers or not. The emotional support given to potential carriers in the early months after discharge from hospital can be invaluable in establishing the relationship even in the more acutely disturbed cases where the family doctor may also be involved. In a larger study of enteric carriers in Western Germany, Rasch (1964) also con- cluded that more attention should be given to the medical and social welfare of carriers. Every carrier in group II is readily approachable at any time. In group I there are some who are either relatively unapproachable or who still resent their having been "neglected," with sporadic visits only from a sanitary inspector, with whom they were often reluctant to discuss personal problems related to their carrier state.