h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I could probably write a bit on Rabies. I haven't written much yet, but a fair impression of my writing style is at my user page. Got to run - or else the Chemistry bloke will be cross with me.

OK. Jimi X is also going to write some on Rabies, and I know a bunch, too. If we all write some, I can then mesh them together into a cohesive entry that we can all be co-authors on.

How does that sound to you?


Mikey

Yeah, no problem. I'll go and find some stuff out, and hopefully I'll get it to you soon

Mind if I take on psittacosis?

And shouldn't it be ornithosis anyway?

Mycroft wrote:
"Mind if I take on psittacosis?"

Go right ahead! Please! Just let me know the number of the entry once you have it up there.

"And shouldn't it be ornithosis anyway?"

My CDC handbook lists psittacosis as the preferred terminology. The ICD-10 lists it as the more technically precise name "Chlamydia psittaci infection", with orinthosis, psittacosis, and parrot fever listed as alternative names. I'm going to go by the CDC handbook, though, as that seems to be what most Zoonosis Control people use.


Mikey

OK, chlamydiosis it is then . I'll have it on your desk within 24 hours...

Unfortunately, it looks like I won't be able to help you out anyway. I am now a Sub-Editor and I got a huge article in my first batch, it looks as if I've been a bit too busy... Sorry! Hope it's going well.

'tis . Check back with us when you have some free time -- we'll still likely have lots to do. I tend to be pretty slow going at these projects.


Mikey

A first draft of my entry on psittacosis is at http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/A581483

I haven't formatted it yet as I assume you'll want to apply a similar style to all the entries in the project, and I've only included the basics thus far as I'd rather have to add stuff than take it out .

Let me know what you want doing to it.

Great start! Here are some topics to consider adding:

1) How to prevent psittacosis
2) People at high risk for psittacosis (the elderly, people with AIDS, etc.)
3) Statistics on how often it occurs

Keep up the good work!

Mikey

I have (at last!) updated the psittacosis entry...

That looks superb, Mycroft!

There are a few grammar errors, and it needs formatting, but I can take care of those when I subedit them. I will also give a few of the facts a second look when I'm at my office tomorrow with my books.

Thanks much! Sure you're not interested in writing any more for me?


Mikey

Either you've set exceptionally low standards or you've succumbed to the hyperbolic over-statement which is rife along parts of the West coast .

I've fixed up the typos (as far as I can see), and I've added a line about there being no vaccine and past infection not conferring immunity, as it's kind of important. However, I'm sticking to my arbitrary decision that formatting requires a strategic overview of the entire project, which only you can provide .

I'm now going on to make a mess of Brucellosis...

Hey, Mycroft!

Maybe I should elaborate on the "suberb".....

I think it's *superb* that you have written a decent and adequate entry on psittacosis, because that means it's one more entry I won't have to write myself!


Mikey

It's good to see the slacker ethos is alive and well in Seattle