Two cases of acquired toxoplasmosis in asymptomatic Malaysian patients are described. In both instances the diagnosis was first made on the finding of the Piringer-Kuchinka reaction in excised lymph nodes from these patients and serological studies further confirmed the presence of hihg toxoplasmic antibody titres. The characteristic histological features of toxoplasmic lymphadenitis are discussed. Diagnosis and management of the disease are briefly reviewed with emphasis that the importance of diagnosing this disease goes beyond the establishment of a mostly self-limiting, clinically unimportant protozoan infection.
Preliminary studies have shown that Lymnaea rubiginosa, a common fresh-water snail in Peninsular Malaysia, which is easily colonized and reared in the laboratory, is a capable experimental intermediate host for Angiostrongylus malaysiensis. Overall 73% of the snails tested became infected following 6 hours exposure to infective rat faeces. Higher infection rates, up to 100%, and heavier worm loads, occurred among the larger sized snails. Snail attrition was low except when very heavy worm loads were acquired.
The authors describe the organization and results of an epidemiologic training program which formed part of a W.H.O. sponsored course in public health dentistry held in Malaysia in May-June 1975. Twenty-two participants from 16 countries took part. They had a wide variety of qualifications and training; only four had had previous experience in the conduct of an oral health survey. The method and criteria that were proposed for inclusion in the second edition of Oral Health Surveys - Basic Methods were tested in two calibration exercises and one field trial. The usefulness of most of the recommendations was confirmed. The main problem areas concern dentofacial anomalies, intense gingivitis and advanced periodontal involvement. A successful feature of the study was the practicability for public health planning of assessing requirements for treatment.
MeSH terms: Child; Dental Health Surveys*; Humans; World Health Organization*
According to Malinowski there are no peoples, however primitive, without religion and magic; nor are there any societies lacking either in the scientific attitude or in science (Blumberg 1963). Magic and taboo are resorted to when through the normal use of science, or rational techniques, man is unable to control unpredictable events important to him. Where there is difficulty in predicting the outcome of behaviour, where the results of action are not consonant with effort, where there are great limitions on man's knowledge of vital issues, magical techniques are employed--in short, where circumstances of life are uncertain, uncontrolled and unknown. Magic and animism are systems of thought which give not only the explanation of a single phenomenon, but make it possible to comprehend the totality of the world from one point, as a continuity. Of the three systems of thought--animistic, religious and scientific--animism is perhaps the most consistent and the most exhaustive, the one which explains the world in its entirety.
MeSH terms: Adolescent; Culture; Female; Funeral Rites; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Magic; Malaysia; Male; Medicine, Traditional; Menstruation; Mythology; Pregnancy; Psychoanalytic Interpretation; Puberty; Social Class; Social Conformity; Social Environment*; Taboo*
Psychotherapeutic management of a potential spirit medium (shaman) in a modern University Hospital setting in Malaysia is described. Magical thinking, projection and spirit possession (trance state) occur during management. Discussion of management was based on what Heinz Wolff described as the psychotherapist's functions of (1) psychodynamic understanding; (2) the therapeutic function; and (3) the developmental function. This patient did not conform to the general criteria of a suitable patient for psychotherapy. But her willingness to engage in therapy contributed to a satisfactory outcome. The therapist's growth in cross-cultural therapeutic encounter seems to be prominent.