Biological research for nursing
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Vaccination is one of our most powerful antiviral strategies. Despite the emergence of deadly viruses such as Ebola virus, vaccination efforts have focused mainly on childhood communicable diseases. Although Ebola virus was once believed to be limited to isolated outbreaks in distant lands, forces of globalization potentiate outbreaks anywhere in the world through incidental transmission. ⋯ Vaccine development has been fraught with obstacles, primarily of a biosafety nature. Case reports of acutely ill patients with EHF showing improvement with the transfusion of convalescent plasma are at odds with animal studies demonstrating further viral replication with the same treatment. Using mRNA extracted from bone marrow of Ebola survivors, human monoclonal antibodies against Ebola virus surface protein have been experimentally produced and now raise the hope for the development of a safe vaccine.
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Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), a specific type of nosocomial pneumonia, occurs in approximately 21% of patients in intensive care, and the mortality can be as high as 71%. VAP causes considerable mortality and morbidity, and it exponentially increases health care costs. ⋯ Identification and understanding of this oral transition from gram-positive to predominantly gram-negative flora may assist health care professionals in differentiating among oral immune markers that suggest compromised immunity. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the literature that promotes an understanding of current knowledge about the transition of oral immunity in mechanically ventilated patients.