Objective: Unknown ethiology Background: Capnocytophaga ochracea is a gram-negative anaerobic organism commonly found in human oral flora. It is characteristically sensitive to beta-lactams and resistant to aminoglycosides. Case Report: A 23-year-old woman presented with lower abdominal pain and was admitted for premature labor at 24-weeks of gestation. At presentation, the cervix was closed and the membrane was intact; however, contractions continued, the membrane subsequently ruptured before receiving any steroids or magnesium, and the mother gave birth to a 540-gram female baby. At birth, Apgar scores were 1 at 5 minutes, 1 at 10 minutes, and 2 at 15 minutes. On the fifth day of life, the blood culture grew Capnocytophaga species. Consequently, Cefotaxime was started and ampicillin continued for a total of 14 days; however, on the 6th day, the head ultrasound showed grade 4 intraventricular hemorrhage and a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order was placed in the chart. The patient's health continued to deteriorate, having multiple episodes of bradycardia and desaturation until cardiac arrest on the 17th day. Conclusions: Capnocytophaga ochracea was isolated from the blood culture of a preterm neonate. It was thought to be the cause of the premature labor and subsequent neonatal septicemia. This case report suggests that the prevalence of Capnocytophaga infections is most likely underestimated and that additional premature labors and abortions could have been caused by Capnocytophaga infections that were never detected. Hence, more studies are needed to investigate the route of transmission.

Magister Scientiae Dentium - MSc(Dent) / The epidemiology of periodontal disease in the Republic of South Africa has received only scant attention in the past and consequently the available information is limited. The present study was therefore planned with the primary goal being to establish base-line information regarding periodontal disease in a portion of the population. The adolescent age group was selected as the target for the survey in that destructive periodontal disease (periodontitis) probably commences in many instances during the teenage years and therefore the group would be the one most likely to derive maximum benefit from preventive care and simple treatment measures which could be realistically provided by existing community dental health services. To translate the result into practicality a simple method of treatment needs estimation was also incorporated. In view of the diverse nature of the inhabitants of the Republic of South Africa and in keep with previously conducted studies, the presedt survey was confined to a single ethnic group. The population comprised all 3 .684 white pupils in Standard VIII attending the 34 schools in the Cape Peninsula during 1977. A random sample of 500 was selected for investigation. The average age of the sample was 15 years 9 months and the two sexes were equally represented. Only 7,2% were classified in the lower grade socio-economic class and thus were considered not to have a significant effect on the results. METHOD A team of three, consisting of the author and two assistants, visited each school. Portable equipment included a reclining chair, lighting, compressed air, and hand instruments. The investigation began with a questionnaire to establish the attitude to and experience of symptoms, prevention, and treatment of periodontal disease within the sample. Each subject was then examined and at each of 12 sites, on the 8 incisors and 4 first molars, recordings were made of plaque, gingivitis, supragingival calculus, subgingival calculus, and loss of attachment (periodontitis) according to defined criteria. A standard statistical package was used to analyse the recordings. RESULTS The questionnaire: This showed that almost all the subjects (98%) were interested in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease in order to achieve and maintain oral health. Not with standing this.The overall prevalence of plaque was 97% and the mean Plaque Index (Pl.I) was 0,94 with 75% of the subjects having a mean Pl.I=0,5. The site prevalence data revealed that out of 12 sites, on average, 4 had Pl.I~O, 4 had Pl.I~l, and 4 had Pl.I~2. In the maxilla the molar sites had the higher plaque levels, whilst in the mandible the incisor sites had higher plaque levels. The sex-specific data showed the males to have higher mean plaque levels than the females, but in 50% of sample with a mean PI.I 0,5 to 1,45 there was ) had had any appurtenant treatment. The overall prevalence of plaque was 97% and the mean Plaque Index (Pl.I) was 0,94 with 75% of the subjects having a mean Pl.I=0,5. The site prevalence data revealed that out of 12 sites, on average, 4 had Pl.I~O, 4 had Pl.I~l, nd 4 had Pl.I~2. In the maxilla the molar sites had the higher plaque levels, whilst in the mandible the incisor sites had higher plaque levels. The sex-specific data showed the males to have higher mean plaque levels than the females, but in 50% of sample with a mean PI.I 0,5 to 1,45 there was no difference.