Prophylaxis of Ophthalmia Neonatorum

Előszó

PREFACE
The subject of the present study was suggested to me in 1957 by my teacher, the late Professor Mauno Vannas, M. D., former Ophthalmolo-gist-in-Chief of Helsinki University Eye Hospital. I highly appreciate his advice in the planning of the work.
My greatest thanks are due to Professor Salme Vannas, M.D., present Ophthalmologist-in-Chief of Helsinki University Eye Hospital. She kindly gave me an excellent opportunity for the performance of the study and helped me so much, especially in the final phases of the work, with her counsel and stimulating criticism.
Professor Uari Rantasalo, M.D., Chief of the Department of Hygiene, Helsinki University, who was earlier Chief of the Department of Bacteriology, The State Serum Institute, with his advice gave important assistance in the planning and practical arrangements of the bacteriologic aspects, especially in 1957.
Professor Aarno Turunen, M. D., Chief of Department I, and Professor Paavo Vara, M. D., Chief of Department II of The Helsinki University Women's Hospital, very generously gave their permission for the work that was done at the maternity wards of their departments. The staff of these departments gave me willing help in the taking of the samples.
Professor Eero Uroma, M. D., Chief of The State Serum Institute, kindly made available to me the institute laboratory for the bacteriologic studies. The acting head of the Department of Bacteriology of the Institute, Dr. Matti Jahkola, M.D., helped me with the organisation of the later phase of the work and gave me valuable advice on the interpretation of the results. I wish to thank the staff of the Bacteriologic Laboratory, especially Mrs Beatrice Uotila, for all the assistance received.
I should also like to thank Miss Aino Nikupaavo, M.A., librarian of Helsinki University Eye Hospital, for her splendid work in finding the literature, and my good friend and present chief Dr. Matti Koskenoja, M. D., who readily gave me the time for research and the publication of this book.
The English translation is by Miss Paivikki Ojansuu, M.A., and Mr L. A. Keyworth, M.A. (Cantab.).
Jyvaskyla, January 1965 Matti Kaivonen Vissza