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- Release Date: 29/08/13 16:46
- Summary: GENERAL: BLT: BLIS Technologies help in the fight against rheumatic fever
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BLT
29/08/2013 14:46
GENERAL
REL: 1446 HRS BLIS Technologies Limited
GENERAL: BLT: BLIS Technologies help in the fight against rheumatic fever
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
29 August 2013
BLIS Technologies Ltd, Dunedin New Zealand
BLIS Technologies help in the fight against rheumatic fever with probiotics
Dunedin company BLIS Technologies Ltd have partnered with the Eastern Bay of
Plenty Primary Health Alliance, Kawerau Rheumatic Fever Prevention Program.
The company has donated 200 bottles of its BLIS K12 Throat Guard Daily
probiotics to aid children and families in the region to assist in the battle
against the third world disease.
BLIS Technologies produce the advanced probiotic lozenge BLIS K12, which
helps support the body's natural defence against throat and ear infections
and is effective in the prevention of Streptococcal throat infections which
can lead to rheumatic fever.
Kawerau has a high instance of rheumatic fever. The rheumatic fever
prevention team monitor 1580 children each week, taking around 1300 swabs
every school term. On average 13 % of the throat swabs taken return a Group A
Streptococcus positive result.
Rheumatic fever can occur after a strep throat infection caused by a Group A
Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. Most strep throat infections get better and
don't lead to rheumatic fever. However, in a small number of people an
untreated strep throat develops into rheumatic fever, where their heart,
joints, brain and skin can sometimes be damaged.
Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance rheumatic fever prevention nurse Sandra
Ball said, "Our team are excited about the donation. It provides us with
another tool in the fight against this disease. We have families who are
experiencing recurrent infections and anything we can do to support their
well-being is beneficial".
Awareness of the potential of BLIS probiotics came about when members of the
Eastern Bay Rheumatic Fever sector attended a lecture by BLIS Technologies
founding Scientist, Professor John Tagg, earlier this year. They were
enthusiastic about his research and the BLIS K12 and BLIS M18 probiotics.
Professor Tagg, who as a child suffered from rheumatic fever, has dedicated
much of his life to exploring ways to fight the disease. A microbiologist at
the University of Otago, Tagg first discovered the strain of probiotic
bacteria nearly 20 years ago.
BLIS Technologies spokesperson Mukesh Kumar said "We feel we can make a huge
contribution to the wellbeing of kids in this community. It's rewarding to
support a project that promotes health for those vulnerable people who need
it the most. BLIS Technologies has been retailing BLIS probiotic products in
pharmacies in New Zealand for the past 10 years, and with growing loyalty
from the general public in New Zealand and overseas, it is our time to give
back to the people who need it the most".
In addition to supporting the Rheumatic Fever Program in Kawerau
BLIS Technologies donate BLIS K12 product to The Salvation Army to support
families in Otago and Southland. BLIS Technologies donate a number of
lozenges based on sales from their online business www.blis.co.nz which is
going through a growth period allowing the company to expand its support to
the community. BLIS Technologies were the Frost and Sullivan Global
Probiotics Entrepreneurial Company of the Year in 2010.
End CA:00240402 For:BLT Type:GENERAL Time:2013-08-29 14:46:36
