Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association
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Complications of infection can increase burn-related morbidity and mortality. Early detection of burn wound infection could lead to more precise and effective treatment, reducing systemic complications and the need for long-term, broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics. Quantitative cultures from biopsies are the accepted standard to determine infection. ⋯ Differential signature changes in optical properties are evident in infected burn wounds. This novel application of spatial frequency domain imaging may prove to be a valuable adjunct to burn wound assessment. Further work will be aimed at determining dose-response relationships and prokaryotic species differences.
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Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, partnered with Weill Bugando Medical College and Sekou Toure Regional Referral Hospital, in Mwanza, Tanzania, to consider the development of a burn unit there. This institutional partnership provided a unique opportunity to promote sustainable academic exchange and build burn care capacity in the East African region. A Weill Cornell burn surgeon and burn fellow collaborated with the Sekou Toure department of surgery to assess its current burn care capabilities and potential for burn unit development. ⋯ Public health outreach is possible through village-based communication networks. Infrastructure to support the development of a burn care unit exists at Sekou Toure, but needs increased clinical focus, human resource capacity building, and record-keeping to track accurate patient numbers. A multidisciplinary center could improve record-keeping and outcomes, encourage referrals, and facilitate outreach through villages.