Jeremiah A. Barondess

Epidemic of infectious Hepatitis: Some Notes on Delineation of High-Risk Groups and Protection of Exposed Susceptibles by Gamma Globulin

Studies on the viral hepatitides of man have aroused increasing interest in the past few years, and several studies of epidemics of infectious hepatitis have been recorded.* The present report is concerned with a brief review of the literature pertinent to this problem and with recording an epidemiological study, with particular reference to delineation of high-risk groups in an open community outbreak. In addition, some observations on the effect of normal human serum gamma globulin in protecting exposed susceptibles under field conditions will be presented, and the proper application of this material in open community outbreaks will be considered.

The Risk of Transmission of HIV From Health Care Professional to Patient-Reply

In Reply. —Dr Taylor raises valid and important points concerning the cluster of cases of HIV infection in the Florida dental practice that was investigated by the Centers for Disease Control and was referred to in the article by the Working Group of the New York Academy of Medicine. The mode of transmission of those cases has never been clarified, and it is plain that there is a dearth of information, at least at this point, on which to base any further action. Nevertheless, two important areas should be commented on. The first is the importance of understanding the total absence of any other cases of transmission from a health care worker to a patient, despite the fact that we are 10 years into this epidemic. It seems to me extremely important for the public to receive this message repeatedly and with as much authority as we can muster, understanding

Herzauskultation (ed 2).

Atlas und Kurzgefasstes Lehrbuch der Phonokardiographie und Verwandter Untersuchungsmethoden, 3. Auflage. By Med. K. Holldack, MD, and Priv. -Doz. Dr. Med. D. Wolf. Price, 78 dm. Pp 292, with 230 illustrations. Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart, 1966. American Representative: Intercontinental Medical Book Corporation, 381 Park Ave S, New York. Rather than usurping the function of the stethoscope, newer diagnostic methods have only increased its value in cardiology. In 67 pages, Zuckermann has listed the most significant classical and recent publications discussing the importance of sounds produced by the heart and blood vessels. The text of this book systematically summarizes the value, the technique, and the appropriate interpretation of auscultatory findings. It can introduce procedures to the novice and can enhance the skills of the expert. The concepts from eastern Europe where Zuckermann now works are effectively wed to those from the New World where he trained under Ignacio Chavez, Salvador Aceves,