title: The role of the microbiologist in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: 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*