WMN Editors

Vaccines – Hepatitis A and B

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January/February ISSN-1059-6518 Volume 25 Number 1

By Frank Hubbell, DO

What is Hepatitis?

 

By definition hepatitis is inflammation of the hepatocytes, the cells of the liver. This inflammation can be caused by alcohol, drugs, toxins, autoimmune diseases, cancer, or infectious disease. In this article we will focus on inflammation caused by an infection from a virus, specifically Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).

 

There are at least 5 different viruses that cause hepatitis: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. The only ones for which we have vaccines, so far, are Hepatitis A and B. A vaccine for hepatitis C is in development. (There is also suspected hepatitis F and G that are currently under investigation.)

 

Who Cares? What does your liver do?

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WMN Editors

Vaccines

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November/December 2011  ISSN-1059-6518  Volume 24 Number 6

Vaccines and Our Immune System

 By Frank Hubbell, DO

 

What is the Immune System?

 

A better way to ask this simple question is, “what protects us against infectious disease”? Simply answered, it is our immune system. The whole purpose of the immune system is to recognize self from non-self. Any type of cell or protein that does not belong in us will be found, recognized, and destroyed by our immune system.

 

This defense system, against invading pathogens, is a multilayered system. The first layer of defense is the physical barrier, our skin. The second layer is the innate immune system, which is an immediate reaction to a threat, but very non-specific. The final layer of defense is the adaptive or acquired immune system. Although this system is slower to respond, it is very specific, and it produces an immune memory. It is this system, adaptive immunity, that our bodies take advantage of to create immunity against various diseases by using vaccines.

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The Risks of International Travel

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Statistically speaking, the most common cause of death for the international traveler while abroad is motor vehicle accidents, and second, is death from a pre-existing condition, such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. However, there are a number of other medical issues that can disrupt or ultimately ruin an international trip. With regard to the two top problems: drive carefully and defensively. If you are not comfortable behind the wheel, take other methods of transport or hire a driver. While these measures cannot insure accident avoidance, they can minimize the risk. Before traveling to a region where medical care may be difficult to obtain, have a thorough physical and make sure you are carrying a sufficient amount of any medications that you may be taking. Also remember that some conditions may not be detectable before you leave, so having good international insurance that will provide for treatment at the closest major medical facility and evacuation back to your home country is a wise decision.

September/October 2011 ISSN 1059-6518

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WMN Editors

WOUNDS AND THE RISK OF TETANUS

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May/June 2011  ISSN-1059-6518  Volume 24 Number 3

By Frank Hubbell, DO

Wounds and the Risk of Tetanus

Clostridium tetani and Tetanospasmin

 It seems like everyone who goes to the doctor with a wound or animal bite is asked when their last tetanus shot was. The question is why? What is so special about tetanus? What is it, and why do we care?

Tetanus, also knows as lockjaw, is a potentially fatal illness that occurs with wound infections. Tetanus is a neurologic disorder caused by the bacterial Clostridium tetani.

Clostridium tetani is an anaerobic bacterium that has the ability to form spores when in a hostile environment. When the bacterium is in a favorable environment to survive, thrive, and multiply, it exists as a single-celled bacterium that feeds, multiplies, and excretes. When the bacterium finds itself in a hostile environment, it changes into a spore with a hard outer, protective shell. As a spore it can survive the hostile environment for up to 40 years, just waiting for the opportunity to move into a more favorable milieu.

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