We report the findings of a prospective study into the bacterial contamination of monofilament nylon sutures removed from corneal wounds following cataract surgery. Sutures were classified as tight, loose or broken at the time of removal. Loose and broken sutures showed significantly more bacterial contamination than tight sutures (p < 0.001, chi squared). Positive cultures were obtained from 2 (6.2%) of 32 tight sutures, 14 (38.9%) of 36 loose sutures and 11 (37.9%) of 29 broken sutures. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most commonly isolated organism (isolated in pure growth from 22 (81.5%) of 27 positive cultures). These findings may explain the occasional association of biodegraded corneal monofilament nylon sutures and suppurative keratitis and highlight the potential risk of seeding a suture track infection at the time of suture removal. They also emphasise the need for prophylactic topical antibiotic when removing biodegraded sutures.

We report a tuberculosis outbreak in school children caused by exposure to a sputum-smear positive school bus driver. Exposed children were assessed using 2 versions of interferon-gamma release assays. Fifty-five percent (18/34) had a positive interferon-gamma release assays and 4 children developed tuberculosis. This suggests that transmission may be very efficient in this setting and highlights the need for early diagnosis.

and conclusions Results of a questionnaire on use of glass syringes among diabetic patients showed considerable variation in methods of keeping the syringes and in the duration of their useful life. Thirty patients took part in an investigation in which each patient used the same disposable syringe in place of the glass syringe for up to two months. No clinical or bacteriological evidence of infection was found. Used in this way, disposable syringes were less expensive than glass syringes. They are lighter than glass syringes, less susceptible to damage, and more easily carried on journeys.

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