BACTERIA THEORY TO DRUG DEATHS

More victims are coming to light, say officials Health officials
believe bacteria may be to blame for the deaths of 24 heroin addicts
in Scotland and Ireland.

They are also investigating a theory that the illness has claimed the
lives of a further seven heroin injectors in England and Wales.

Greater Glasgow Health Board said microbiologists suspect the
condition has been caused by a form of anaerobic bacteria - the class
of bacteria which includes the causes of botulism, tetanus and gas
gangrene.

The condition appears to affect heroin addicts who inject the drug
into the muscle or under the skin, rather than into a vein.

Scientists in Britain, Ireland and the United States have been
exchanging information in an effort to discover the reason for the
infection as the death toll continues to rise.

In Glasgow, 31 drug users have been struck down by the illness, of
whom 14 have now died, and two people have died in the north east of
Scotland.

Fifteen people have also been affected in Dublin, eight of whom have
died.

Public health officials said seven people in England and Wales
appeared to have died from a similar illness.

The Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS) said 14 cases of a mystery
illness had been found in injecting drug users in England and Wales.

Intensive care

Experts originally thought the illness, which causes severe
inflammation of vital organs, could be anthrax but that was ruled out
last week following tests at the government's chemical weapons
research centre at Porton Down.

The first case occurred in England on 24 April and doctors have been
urged to be vigilant for more cases.

Victims suffer a septicaemia-type illness and need intensive care, but
some have died from multiple organ failure within hours.

Dr Noel Gill, of the PHLS, said: "This does give cause for concern and
what has been happening in Glasgow and Dublin is unusual.

"We are still looking at the cases in England and Wales and it will be
five or six days before we know whether the cases are linked, but they
do seem to have common factors."

The Glasgow officials said the theory that anaerobic bacteria was to
blame could be the breakthrough needed.

Public health consultant, Dr Laurence Gruer, said: "It is
disappointing that new cases continue to occur.

"However, we are optimistic that with the help of experts in the UK
and Atlanta we will pinpoint the cause of this terrible condition.

"What we need now is painstaking work of the highest possible
standard."