The Need for Asepsis in Local Penicillin Therapy
- 27 October 1944
- Vol. 2 (4373) , 551-555
- https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.2.4373.551
Abstract
Two series of cases are reported, each of 20 battle casualties, in which local penicillin therapy was employed. The incidence of potential cross-infection was 3 cases in 20 in the unit''s original surroundings, and no clinical cross-infection occurred. In the 2d series, under less perfect conditions, the potential rate rose to 7 cases in 20, and 1 superficial case of clinical hospital infection resulted. Cross-infection of wounds by way of the penicillin tube is an obvious possibility and, as it has not appeared in these series (the one case described being only a superficial cutaneous infection), it is suggested that the aseptic screw cap in use on the penicillin tube is responsible for the prevention. Scalp wounds should be closed properly and very early skin healing emphasized in view of the total average potential hospital- (or cross-) infection rate (25%).This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: