Christopher Brightman

Tetanus: an ever-present infection risk

Tetanus was recognised as far back as the 5th century BC, when it was first described by Hippocrates. Today, immunisation has reduced the incidence of tetanus infection, but the bacteria responsible remains active in soil and manure. Although most people in the UK are covered by immunisation, the elderly and some immigrants, may be at risk.

Lyme disease: lurking in the bushes

Lyme disease is transmitted via ticks picked up in the undergrowth. It is on the increase and clinicians need to be vigilant and consider it as a diagnosis in patients presenting with cutaneous, neurological, musculoskeletal or cardiac symptoms.

Leptospirosis: a leisure and occupational hazard

Leptospirosis, or Weils disease as it commonly known, is a rare infection contracted from the urine of animals, usually rats. River and lake water can be contaminated and poses a risk for the increasing number of open‐water swimmers.

Typhoid fever: yesterday, today and unfortunately still tomorrow

Enteric fever is caused by Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi A, B and C. Typhoid fever refers to the illness caused by S. typhi, whereas enteric fever refers to the disease caused by all four organisms. In this article the author describes the history of our understanding of typhoid fever and its current prevention and management.Enteric fever is caused by Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi A, B and C. Typhoid fever refers to the illness caused by S. typhi, whereas enteric fever refers to the disease caused by all four organisms. In this article the author describes the history of our understanding of typhoid fever and its current prevention and management.

Illness from abroad: presentation and diagnosis of tropical diseases: TRAVEL HEALTH

With an increase in international travel and the number of people visiting exotic places, most GPs are likely to see at least one case of a tropical disease in their career. Dr Brightman considers the questions to ask when taking the history, before discussing the more common presentations of tropical diseases and which laboratory investigations are of value in their diagnosis. Copyright

Illness from abroad: presentation and diagnosis of tropical diseases

With an increase in international travel and the number of people visiting exotic places, most GPs are likely to see at least one case of a tropical disease in their career. Dr Brightman considers the questions to ask when taking the history, before discussing the more common presentations of tropical diseases and which laboratory investigations are of value in their diagnosis. Copyright

Antibiotics in general practice: Antibiotics in general practice

The human race has had to endure infections for as long as it has been on earth, and has developed efficient natural defence mechanisms to combat them. Modern medicine aims to augment these natural mechanisms, to help speed up resolution of infection and decrease morbidity and mortality.Christopher Brightman provides a brief account of the background to antibiotic treatment, describing those antibiotics that are most frequently used in general practice, with indications for their use.

Antibiotics in general practice

The human race has had to endure infections for as long as it has been on earth, and has developed efficient natural defence mechanisms to combat them. Modern medicine aims to augment these natural mechanisms, to help speed up resolution of infection and decrease morbidity and mortality.Christopher Brightman provides a brief account of the background to antibiotic treatment, describing those antibiotics that are most frequently used in general practice, with indications for their use.

Malaria: a deadly vector‐borne disease

With increasing numbers of people travelling to exotic places, exposure to diseases that are rare in the developed world is rising. Christopher Brightman looks at malaria, a mosquito‐borne infectious disease that is widespread in tropical regions. Copyright