International Journal of Legal Medicine
Volume 106, Issue 4, 1994, Pages 205-208

Sudden unexpected nocturnal deaths among Thai immigrant workers in Singapore - The possible role of toxigenic bacteria (Article)

Blackwell C.C. , Busuttil A.* , Weir D.M. , Saudi A.T. , Esseryl S.D.
  • a Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Edinburgh, Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, United Kingdom
  • b Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, United Kingdom
  • c Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Edinburgh, Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, United Kingdom
  • d Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Edinburgh, Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, United Kingdom
  • e Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Edinburgh, Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, United Kingdom

Abstract

Sudden Unexpected Nocturnal. Deaths (SUND) occur in young, apparently healthy immigrant workers from Thailand, the Philippines and Bangladesh living among ex-patriot labour forces in countries such as Singapore and Saudi Arabia. Several factors associated with these deaths are similar to those observed for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): sleep related and mainly noturnal occurrence; no prodromal illnesses other than mild respiratory tract infection; exposure to cigarette smoke; absence of invasive microorganisms at autopsy. The hypotheses proposed to explain these deaths in adults are examined. Based on our studies of the role toxigenic bacteria might play in some cases of SIDS, we suggest a new approach to the investigation of SUND. © 1994 Springer-Verlag.

Author Keywords

Toxins SUND Unexpected deaths

Index Keywords

sleep Thailand human sudden death Ethnic Groups priority journal sudden infant death syndrome male female Risk Factors Death, Sudden Tobacco Smoke Pollution Article Support, Non-U.S. Gov't adult Bacterial Toxins Bacterial Infections bacterial toxin Singapore Emigration and Immigration cause of death etiology
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0028349425&doi=10.1007%2fBF01371338&partnerID=40&md5=39c92b222603a76dd8df117a771d0751
DOI: 10.1007/BF01371338
ISSN: 09379827
Cited by: 12
Original Language: English