This action is in keeping with our vitch of the institute of parasitology general policy of reviewing regula- of McGill University, and T.A. Dick tory requirements from time to time of the University of Manitoba have in light of accumulated information established in laboratory animals and experience. We much appreciate strains of T. spiralis from previously Dr. Danby's action in bringing this frozen polar bear meat; in one inproblem forward for review at this stance the meat had been frozen for 12 months. In 1977 Meerovitch estime. tablished in mice T. spiralis from A.B. MORRISON, PH D larvae in Arctic fox diaphragms colAssistant deputy minister Health protection branch lected from frozen carcasses stored Health and Welfare Canada Ottawa, Ont. out of doors in Cambridge Bay for a period of weeks during which the temperature fell to -35 0C at night. Trichinosis in the Arctic Recently I learned from N.N. To the editor: For many years it has Ozeretskovskaya that, in Russia, been accepted that Trichinella cysts polar bear meat stored frozen for in meat stored at freezing tempera- more than 2 years has yielded living tures will be rendered nonviable, the Trichinella larvae. time for "sterilization" varying inTherefore, it no longer appears versely with the temperature. tenable to advise that meat liable to Legislation in the United States harbour the Arctic strain of T. spihas indicated that the following tem- ralis is rendered safe from trichinosis perature/time combinations are lethal by freezing at any temperature for to encysted T. spiralis in pork: 50F any length of time. Trichinosis is still (-150C) for 20 days, -100F a significant problem in the Canadian (-230C) for 10 days, -200F North and will remain so as long as (-290C) for 6 days and -360F inadequately cooked meat is eaten. (-380C) for 2 minutes.1 Whether this apparent resistance to On the basis of these regulations it cold is entirely restricted to Arctic was considered for many years in strains of T. spiralis is unknown but the Northwest Territories that the appears to be a worthwhile field for simple advice not to eat raw meat, investigation. especially polar bear and walrus, unR.D.P. EATON, PH D, MB, CH B less it had been frozen hard for sevNorthern medical research unit Medical services eral days, was adequate to protect Northwest Territories region against trichinosis. It was considered Health and Welfare Canada do Charles Camsell Hospital pointless to specify times and temEdmonton, Alta. peratures when no means of recording the internal temperature of the sample existed. References A recent paper by Rowley2 per1. KRAYBILL HF: The effect of ionizing petuates this concept: Rowley stated radiation on parasites, or destruction of Trichina in pork carcasses. mt J that a temperature of - 150C for 20 Appi Radiat Isot 6: 185, 1959 days destroys Trichinella larvae. Recently the validity of such ad- 2. ROWLEY G: Bernhard Hantzsch: the probable cause of his death in Baffin vice has been questioned. I have Island in 1911. Polar Rec 18: 593, positive assurance from several in1977 vestigators that, in the case of T. spiralis developing in mammals in the Arctic, freezing cannot be relied "Current Haematology" upon to destroy the infectivity of the [correction] encysted larvae. R.L. Rausch, for- Dr. M. Brazeau has pointed out an merly of the Arctic Health Research error that appeared in this book reCentre in Alaska, and J.C. Holmes view (Can Med Assoc 1 119: 698, of the University of Alberta have 1978). The correct title of the book confirmed the isolation of viable T. is "Clinical Haematology". We apolspiralis larvae from frozen Arctic ogize to Dr. Brazeau for this overfoxes taken from traps. B. Meero- sight. - Ed. 22 CMA JOURNAL/JANUARY 6, 1979/VOL. 120

.292* Tablets

INDICATIONS: For relief of mild to moderate pain, fever and inflammation as in influenza, common cold, low back and neck pain, headache, trauma, following dental and surgical procedures. DOSAGE: Adults-i tablet two to three times daily. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Gastrointestinal ulceration and sensitivity to any of the components. WARNINGS: Salicylates increase the effects of anticoagulants. Caution is necessary when salicylates and anticoagulants are prescribed concurrently. Also, salicylates may depress the concentration of prothrombin in the plasma. Large doses of salicylates may affect insulin requirements of diabetics. Salicylates may potentiate sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agents. Analgesic abuse (excessive and prolonged therapy) has been associated with nephropathy. TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL POISONING ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID PREPARATIONS MUST BE KEPT WELL OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. PRECAUTIONS: Give with caution to patients with asthma, other allergic conditions, bleeding tendencies, or hypoprothrombinemia. Salicylates can produce changes in thyroid function tests. Observe care in use of codeine, although tolerance and addiction are rare. Give codeine with caution to patients with severe respiratory depression. Its depressant effect may be enhanced by concurrent administration of sedatives and tranquilizers. ADVERSE REACTIONS: Acetylsalicylic acid: Gastrointestinal: dyspepsia, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. Ear reactions: tinnitus, hearing loss. Hematologic: anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, purpura. Dermatologic and Hypersensitivity: urticaria, angioedema, pruritus, various skin eruptions, asthma and anaphylaxis. Miscellaneous: mental confusion, drowsiness, sweating and thirst. Codeine: Average or large doses may cause various gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and constipation. Caffeine: May cause nausea, nervousness, insomnia, headache, vomiting, palpitation, vertigo, muscle tremor, sensory disturbances, excessive diuresis in sensitive patients. Large doses may cause gastric ulceration. FULL INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON REQUEST HOW SUPPLIED 0292* Tablets-Peach, . marked, scored, engraved 292 on one side. Each tablet contains acetylsalicylic acid 375 mg, caffeine citrate 30 mg, codeine phosphate 30 mg. Available in bottles of 50 and 500. 1. Melmon, K.L., Morelli, H.F. (eds) Clinical Pharmacology, New York, The MacMillan Company, 1972, Chap. II, p. 499. *Trademark

292T-9-394JA

EED CHARLES E. FROSST & Co. KIRKLAND (MONTREAL) CANADA

Trichinosis in the Arctic.

This action is in keeping with our vitch of the institute of parasitology general policy of reviewing regula- of McGill University, and T.A. Dick tory...
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