The role of the microbiologist in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries.
Local and systemic infections represent major obstacles to the successful rehabilitation of patients following spinal cord injury. Their detection, prevention and management are greatly aided by the inclusion of a microbiologist in the rehabilitation team and by the provision of a simple laboratory in close geographic proximity to the spinal cord injury unit. The role and scope of activities of the SCI team-microbiologist, and the suggested location and basic equipment for a small laboratory are described. Some of the advantages to be gained from such microbiological monitoring are discussed.
D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008829:Microbiology; D010348:Patient Care Team; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*