Corynebacter

Cancer Res, 1979 Sep, 39(9), 3454 - 7
Enhancement of the thermal response of animal tumors by Corynebacterium parvum; Urano M et al.; The effect of Corynecbacterium parvum treatment on the thermal response of animal tumors was studied . Tumors were methylcholanthrene-induced (FSa-II) and spontaneous (FSa-I) fibrosarcomas in C3Hf/Sed mice . C . parvum was given i.v . and was followed by local hyperthermia at 43.5 degrees 3 days later . Cell survival determined by lung colony assays showed that preadministration of C . parvum insignificantly enhanced the thermal response of both tumors . Studies of delay of tumor growth for FSa-II demonstrated that the enhancement ratio decreased with increasing time of treatment and reached a minimum of approximately equal to 1.7 . The enhancement ratio for the time at hyperthermia which achieved tumor control in one-half of the treated tumors was 1.7 . Together with our previous results on normal tissue responses, the therapeutic gain factor for obtaining 50% tumor control was found to be 1.1 (1.7/1.55) for the weekly immunogenic FSa-II tumor, while it was 2.3 for moderately immunogenic FSa-I as reported previously.

South Med J, 1979 Sep, 72(9), 1223 - 4
Subcutaneous inflammation (infection?) after synovial rupture: a complication of a complication; Good AE et al.; Six weeks after presumptive acute synovial rupture at the knee, a patient was admitted with cutaneous induration over the medial calf . Roentgenograms showed gas shadows within the involved area . A fluctuant area at the center of the indurated mass yielded a Corynebacterium species.

Rev Cubana Med Trop, 1979 Sep-Dec, 31(3), 199 - 204
{Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of indol alkaloids}; Rojas Hernandez NM; In pursuing the study of the antimicrobial properties of alkaloids prepared from Cuban plants the activity of 10 indol alkaloids and 4 semisynthetic variables obtained from three plants--Catharanthus roseus G . Don., Vallesia antillana Wood and Ervatamia coronaria Staph, of the family Apocynaceae--growing in Cuba was assessed in vitro . The alkaloids and the variables used were catharantine, vindoline, vindolinine, perivine, reserpine, tabernaemontanine, tetrahydroalstonine, aparicine, vindolinic acid, reserpic acid and vindolininol . These were faced to 40 bacterial strains from the genera Salmonella, Shigella, Proteus, Escherichia, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium as well as to fungi and yeasts from the genera Aspergillus, kCunnighamella, kCandida and Saccharomyces . The method involving cylindric sections in a double agar layer was applied and lectures were obtained at 24-48 hours of incubation at 25 degrees C for fungi and yeasts and 37 degrees C for bacteria . Inhibition zones are reported in millimeters.

Mikrobiologiia, 1979 Sep-Oct, 48(5), 863 - 7
{Morphogenetic features of Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans}; Golovacheva RS; The morphogenesis of Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans BKM B-1269 was studied by electron microscopy at the vegetative stage of growth on a medium with pyrite as the source of energy . Young growing cultures of this organism were found to be very polymorphous: along with rod-like cells of various dimensions (0.6--0.8x1.0--3.0 mcm) which were predominant, coccoid, pyriform, clavate and dumbbell-like cells were also encountered . Certain cells have a tendency for branching . The cells can divide by sudden breaking of the parent cell along a partition being formed . These breaks are often incomplete, thus giving rise to cellular aggregates in the shape of palisades, bent chains, rings and Y-formations . The above characteristics of S . thermosulfidooxidans morphogenesis suggest that the genus Sulfobacillus is related to Corynebacterium-like organisms and actinomycetes . However, this genus differs in its morphology from bacilli though both (as well as actinomycetes) are capable of spore formation.

Cancer, 1979 Sep, 44(3), 899 - 905
Cyclophosphamide plus 5-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazeno)-imidazole-4-carboxamide (DTIC) with or without Corynebacterium parvum in metastatic malignant melanoma; Presant CA et al.; One hundred twenty patients with metastatic malignant melanoma were randomized to receive either cyclophosphamide, 600 mg/m2 IV, on day 1 plus DTIC 200 mg/m2 IV days 1 through 5, or the same chemotherapy plus C . parvum 5 mg/m2 IV on day 8 and day 15 . Therapy was repeated every 21 days . Although responses were observed in 13.8% of patients on cyclophosphamide plus DTIC versus 25.5% of patients on cyclophosphamide plus DTIC plus C . parvum, the median duration of remission was 15.6 weeks on chemotherapy and 13.0 weeks on chemotherapy plus C . parvum . Furthermore, survival was similar on both regimens (6.1 months versus 5.7 months, respectively) . Favorable prognostic factors included metastatic disease confined to skin or lymph nodes (33% responses), performance status greater than 70% (24% response rate), and administration of three or more courses of chemotherapy (31% response rate) . The dose limiting toxicity was myelosuppression, which was equal on both regimens . Chills and fever were common in response to C . parvum, and, rarely hypotension, cyanosis, or immune nephritis was observed . The addition of C . parvum to chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide plus DTIC is not recommended.

Infect Immun, 1979 Sep, 25(3), 1081 - 3
Isolation of a cured strain from Corynebacterium diphtheriae PW8; Ishii-Kanei C et al.; A nonlysogenic, non-toxinogenic strain was isolated from the PW8 strain of C . diphtheriae by two-step ultraviolet induction . This strain was lysed by phages derived from the PW8 strain but not by beta phages from the C7(beta) strain . When this cured strain was lysogenized with phages from the PW8 strain, toxin production by the resulting lysogens was about a half or a quarter of that of the parent strain PW8.

Am J Vet Res, 1979 Aug, 40(8), 1110 - 4
Visceral caseous lymphadenitis in thin ewe syndrome: isolation of Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, and Moraxella spp from internal abscesses in emaciated ewes; Renshaw HW et al.; The relationship between the visceral form of caseous lymphadenitis and a chronic debilitating condition of mature sheep designated as the thin ewe syndrome was investigated . Internal abscesses were found during necropsy in 81% of animals with thin ewe syndrome and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (C ovis) was recovered from 86% of the animals with internal abscesses . Other pyogenic bacteria, including C pyogenes, C equi, Staphylococcus epidermis, S aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were often recovered in association with C pseudotuberculosis . Moraxella sp was recovered in 41% of the animals with internal abscesses . In some abscesses, Moraxella sp was the dominant microorganism isolated and in others, they were outnumbered only by C pseudotuberculosis . Species isolated included M bovis, M osloensis, and M nonliquefaciens . The potential importance of Moraxella sp to the cause and pathogenesis of the thin ewe syndrome is not known . The results of the present study indicate that visceral caseous lymphadenitis is either an important contributing factor to the development of thin ewe syndrome or that the presence of thin ewe syndrome may predispose affected sheep to the development of visceral caseous lymphadenitis . A skin test reagent prepared by sonicating C pseudotuberculosis was of limited value in detecting animals with visceral caseous lymphadenitis . Only 56% of the animals with abscesses caused by C pseudotuberculosis gave positive delayed-type hypersensitivity skin test responses.

Cancer, 1979 Aug, 44(2), 488 - 91
Inhibition of spontaneous AKR leukemia by multiple inoculations of Corynebacterium parvum; Check JH et al.; In previous studies we have shown that AKR mice could be protected from spontaneous leukemia by specific immunotherapy in combination with splenectomy . In this experiment we investigated the effects of nonspecific immunotherapy with C . parvum in a similar regimen . It was found that bi-weekly, ip inoculations of 0.7 mg of C . parvum could significantly protect AKR mice from spontaneous tumors, and that splenectomy could not modify this effect . Thus, the spleen does not appear to play a determinant role in mediating the protective effects of C . parvum, as had been suggested in other systems.

Am J Med, 1979 Aug, 67(2), 228 - 31
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis . A new cause of infectious and eosinophilic pneumonia; Keslin MH et al.; A 28 year old veterinary medical student experienced spiking fever, cough, peripheral blood eosinophilia and an eosinophilic pulmonary infiltrate . Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis was isolated from a transtracheal aspirate and bronchoscopy washings . C . pseudotuberculosis, a pathogen responsible for lymphadenitis in livestock, has never been reported to cause pneumonia in man . In the four cases of C . pseudotuberculosis previously reported, lymphadenitis was the chief clinical presentation . In our patient specific antibodies against the isolated C . pseudotuberculosis developed but not against the other corynebacteria . With erythromycin therapy, the peripheral blood eosinophilia and IgE anti-C . pseudotuberculosis titer decreased whereas the IgG titer continued to increase.

Surg Gynecol Obstet, 1979 Aug, 149(2), 168 - 72
Effect of Corynebacterium parvum in prevention and reversal of atrophy of the liver following portacaval shunt; Fisher B et al.; Since it has been demonstrated that the administration of Corynebacterium parvum is associated with increased hepatocyte proliferation in both normal and regenerating livers, it seemed appropriate to determine whether the use of this agent would affect the hepatic atrophy which occurs following end-to-side portacaval shunts . When administered at shunting, liver weight and liver deoxyribonucleic acid failed to decrease to the same extent as that occurring in untreated, shunted rats . An increase in liver deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis was observed following portacaval shunt only in treated rats . Corynebacterium parvum administration to portacaval shunt rats with livers demonstrating marked atrophy 15 to 18 days following shunting resulted in the reversal of such atrophy . There was an increase in liver weight and deoxyribonuclei acid to the extent that those values were equal to, or greater than, those of livers from nonshunted rats . By increasing the number of cells within liver, Corynebacterium parvum administration prevents or reverses the decrease in liver size, that is, atrophy, which occurs after portacaval shunts were performed.

Acta Pathol Microbiol Scand {C}, 1979 Aug, 87C(4), 293 - 300
Direct effects of Corynebacterium parvum and BCG on human monocyte-mediated tumour cell cytostasis in vitro; Hammerstrom J; Four strains of Corynebacterium parvum (Cp) and BCG induced low levels of cytostatic ability to a human tumour cell line in human monocytes when added directly to conventional monocyte cultures . The cytostatic ability induced by mediators from autologous lymphocytes stimulated with the same agents was greater than that produced by direct addition to monocytes . BCG was more efficient in stimulating lymphocyte DNA-synthesis and lymphokine release than any of the Cp strains tested . In order to test the influence of contaminating adherent lymphocytes on the direct induction of cytostasis, monocyte cultures of greater than 99.9% purity were prepared by adherence purification . Cp induced low levels of cytostatic ability in such highly purified monocytes when added directly to the monocytes . Addition of BCG and Candida albicans had an adverse effect on the cytostatic ability of purified monocytes . A morphological study of Cp interaction with purified monocytes was performed . Cp, but not BCG, would seem to be able to induce low levels of cytostatic ability in human monocytes without lympohcyte cooperation . Human monocyte activation by the more effective lymphokine pathway is more efficiently triggered in vitro by BCG than by Cp.

Br J Urol, 1979 Aug, 51(4), 278 - 82
Subcutaneous Corynebacterium parvum in bladder cancer: a controlled study of its immunological effects; Purves EC et al.; Fourteen out of 26 patients with invasive bladder cancer were randomly assigned to receive weekly subcutaneous injections of Corynebacterium parvum (CP) in addition to standard treatment . Peripheral blood T lymphocyte percentage, K cell activity, mitogen responsiveness, and monocyte and polymorph leucotaxis were measured at intervals over a period of 1 to 2 years . The only consistent difference between the CP-treatment patients and the controls was a slightly higher level of K cell activity in the former, who, however, fared rather worse than the controls in terms of survival.

Ann Intern Med, 1979 Aug, 91(2), 167 - 73
Infection due to Corynebacterium species in marrow transplant patients; Stamm WE et al.; A Corynebacterium species consistently resistant to all antibiotic therapy except vancomycin caused bacteremia in 32 of 284 (11%) marrow transplant patients . Twenty-one patients had colonization or infection before bacteremia . Twenty-six of the 32 patients were males, and males older than 16 years were infected significantly more often than females over 16, or than all patient under 16 . A case-control study showed that infected patients had greater exposure to antibiotics; more often had failure of engraftment and persistent granulocytopenia; were in laminar air-flow rooms less often; and had greater inhospital mortality . Cultural surveillance showed that 17 of 42 marrow transplant patients were colonized with Corynebacterium species . Likelihood of colonization appeared related to age, sex, and duration of hospitalization . Prevalence of colonization in other populations was 1% in nonhospitalized healthy adults and 13% in adults in a general hospital . Corynebacterium species infections occur primarily in adult males with granulocytopenia, mucocutaneous defects, and receiving intensive antibiotic therapy.

J Natl Cancer Inst, 1979 Aug, 63(2), 423 - 6
Effect of adriamycin and Corynebacterium parvum in tumor-bearing mice: modulation of response to sheep red blood cells; Dimitrov NV et al.; Administration of adriamycin and Corynebacterium parvum alone in C57BL/6J mice bearing Lewis lung carcinoma stimulated the direct (19S) and indirect (7S) plaque-forming cell (PFC) response specific for sheep red blood cells . Thus adriamycin appears to possess some immunostimulatory effect on tumor-bearing mice with much less effect than C . parvum alone . Simultaneous administration of adriamycin and C . parvum decreased the PFC response compared to that for C . parvum alone . This decrease may indicate that drug-vaccine interaction could produce some inhibition of the strong immunostimulatory effect of C . parvum as measured by the PFC response in tumor-bearing mice . The immunostimulatory effect of adriamycin and C . parvum administered as a single agent or in combination was associated with significant splenomegaly . The results of this study could be helpful in clinical situations when these agents are used alone or combined.

J Periodontol, 1979 Aug, 50(8), 416 - 8
Experimental gingivitis in ODU plaque-susceptible rats . III . Toxic activity of the rat dental plaque; Azuma Y et al.; The toxicity tests of the dental plaque from ODU plaque-susceptible rats showed strong lethal effect on mice, and abscess forming effect on guinea-pigs . Bacterial cells isolated from the rat dental plaque also showed strong toxicity on both animals and capillary permeable activity on rabbits . Among these bacterial cells, Corynebacterium showed the strongest toxic effects on these animals . These facts suggested an important role of the dental plaque on initiation and development of gingivitis and that especially Corynebacterium may play an important role on gingivitis in ODU plaque-susceptible rats.

Lab Anim Sci, 1979 Aug, 29(4), 519 - 20
Corynebacterium equi in the cottontop marmoset (Saguinus oedipus): a case report; Stein FJ et al.; A wild-caught cottontop marmoset died after a short illness characterized by loss of appetite, loss of weight and general unthriftiness . Necropsy revealed a large thoracic abscess from which Corynebacterium equi was recovered.

Immunobiology, 1979 Aug, 156(1-2), 65 - 75
Studies of the producer cell of interferon in human lymphocyte cultures; Kirchner H et al.; The producer cells of interferon were studied in human leucocyte cultures stimulated by a variety of stimulants, including phytohemagglutinin (PHA), pokeweed mitogen (PWM), Corynebacterium parvum (CP) and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) . When the cells were fractionated by the use of neuraminidase-treated sheep red blood cells (SRBC), the T cell population responded with interferon production to PHA and PWM but not to CP or HSV . However, the non-T population showed a vigorous response to the latter two stimuli . In contrast, nylon column eluate cells enriched for T cells responded well to CP and HSV with production of interferon . To resolve these contradictory data, we have used combinations of techniques . Nylon column eluate cells were further separated by SRBC and it was found that the nylon non-adherent rosetting cell did not produce interferon in response to HSV or CP whereas the nylon-nonadherent non-rosetting cell did . In additional experiments more elaborate techniques were used . Leucocytes were treated by plastic adherence and iron filings, passed over a nylon column and subsequently over an Ig-anti-Ig column, and then rosetted with SRBC . Again only the non-rosetting population produced interferon . In parallel experiments the capacity of the different cell populations to lyse three types of target cells in a chromium release assay as a test for "natural killer" (NK) cell activity was investigated . There was some correlation between interferon production and NK cell activity . Thus, our data indicate that interferon is produced by non-T, non-B cells, possibly by cells related to NK cells.

Experientia, 1979 Jul 15, 35(7), 908 - 9
{Effect of Corynebacterium parvum on serum lysozyme (muramidase) levels (author's transl)}; Eliopoulos G et al.; An i.v . injection of 548 microgram of killed Corynebacterium parvum into C57B1 mice leads to significant changes in serum lysozyme (muramidase) levels . After an initial fall at 24 h, the activity of the enzyme increased progressively, reached a peak on the 9th day and returned to control range after the 15th day.

Ann Immunol (Paris), 1979 Jul-Aug, 130C(4), 581 - 6
{Role of macrophages in interferon production in mice (author's transl)}; Forestier F et al.; By stimulating or depressing the macrophage system with Corynebacterium parvum or anti-macrophage serum, we were able to establish that macrophages play a role in Poly-I:C-induced interferon production . On the other hand macrophages do not seem to be the cells which produce endotoxin- or NDV-induced interferon, although a slight participation of these cells in the production of NDV-induced interferon cannot be excluded.

Clin Exp Immunol, 1979 Jul, 37(1), 169 - 73
The reversal of surgically induced reticuloendothelial depression; Everson NW et al.; The function of the reticuloendothelial (RE) system may be depressed by surgical operation . As this system is an important defence mechanism against tumour growth and metastasis, it would be an advantage if this depression could be prevented by the administration of a suitable agent . The agents studied in this case were levamisole, Corynebacterium parvum (C . parvum) and glucan . As a measure of RE function a carbon clearance test was performed in rats, 1 hr after partial colectomy, animals having received pre-operative treatment with one of these substances . The results show that operation produced a significant fall in clearance (P less than 0.001) . Both C . parvum and glucan were very effective in preventing any fall of clearance following operation (P less than 0.01) . Both of these produced marked RE stimulation and values in animals given these agents remained above control values even after surgery . Levamisole had some effect in preventing the RE depression (P less than 0.02), but was not as effective as either C . parvum or glucan.

Cancer Res, 1979 Jul, 39(7 Pt 1), 2807 - 10
Immunotherapeutic response of concanavalin A-bound L1210 vaccine enhanced by a streptococcal immunopotentiator, OK-432; Kataoka T et al.; Immunotherapeutic response to concanavalin A (Con A)-bound L1210 murine leukemic vaccine and immunopotentiators was examined in histocompatible animals bearing a small burden L1210 leukemic cells . When combined with Con A-bound vaccine, a streptococcal immunopotentiator, OK-432 (NSC B116209), prepared from Streptococcus pyogenes, was potent in antitumor therapy and resulted in a number of cured animals . Administration of either Con-A-bound vaccine or OK-432 alone did not produce any beneficial effect on leukemic animals . The enhanced therapeutic response was dependent on the effectiveness of the dose and timing of the administration of OK-432 when given after vaccination . Combined modality of Con A-bound L1210 vaccine and OK-432 was not effective in animals bearing P388 murine leukemic cells, which indicates specificity of therapeutic response . In enhancing the therapeutic potency of Con A-bound leukemia vaccine, pyran copolymer (NSC 46015) was as effective as OK-432, whereas Bacillus Calmette-Guerin and Corynebacterium parvum were far less effective . When combined with OK-432, therapeutic response to Con A-bound L1210 vaccine was much greater than response to glutaraldehyde-, mitomycin C-, or Vibrio cholerae neuraminidase-treated L1210 vaccine.

Sex Transm Dis, 1979 Jul-Sep, 6(3), 199 - 202
Inhibition of Haemophilus vaginalis (Corynebacterium vaginale) by metronidazole, tetracycline, and ampicillin; Ralph ED et al.; The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ampicillin, tetracycline, and metronidazole for 71 strains of Haemophilus vaginalis (Corynebacterium vaginale) were compared by use of an agar-dilution method and an inoculum of 10(6) organisms/ml . All strains were sensitive to 1 microgram of ampicillin/ml, 70% to 4 micrograms of tetracycline/ml, and only 13% of the strains to 8 micrograms of metronidazole/ml . Under anaerobic conditions the susceptibility to metronidazole increased markedly, and 48% of the strains were inhibited by 8 micrograms/ml . In determinations of MICs in broth cultures, reduction of the inoculum size to 10(4) organisms/ml increased susceptibilities to metronidazole and tetracycline, whereas incubation of 48 hr instead of 24 hr decreased susceptibilities to these two drugs . Minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were generally two- to fourfold greater than the MICs for the three drugs . The results demonstrate that anaerobic conditions, inoculum size, and duration of incubation influence the susceptibility of H . vaginalis to antibiotics in vitro.

J Cell Physiol, 1979 Jul, 100(1), 55 - 62
Tuftsin-macrophage interaction: specific binding and augmentation of phagocytosis; Bar-Shavit Z et al.; The binding of {3H}tuftsin to normal and in vivo stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophage populations was studied at 22 degrees C . The {3H}tuftsin binding to thioglycollate-stimulated macrophages was shown to be rapid and saturable, with an equilibrium dissociation constant (K(D)) (calculated from a Scatchard plot) of 5.3 X 10(-8) M . The calculated number of binding sites per macrophage amounts to approximately 72,000 . Binding competition studies with unlabelled tuftsin yielded a K(D) of 5.0 X 10(-8) M . {3H} {N-Acetyl-Thr1}tuftsin, an inactive analog of tuftsin, failed to bind specifically to thioglycollate-stimulated macrophages . {N-Acetyl-Thr1}tuftsin and the tripeptide {Des-Arg4}tuftsin failed to compete for tuftsin binding sites, while {D-Arg4}tuftsin, an analog with small tuftsin-like activity, exhibited a low degree of inhibition of {3H}tuftsin binding . Thus a rather high degree of specificity is involved in the binding of the tetrapeptide . Normal as well as six different macrophage populations induced by stimulation with thioglycollate, concanavalin-A, starch, mineral oil, glucan and Bacillus Calmette Guerrin (BCG), exhibited a similar degree of binding of {3H}tuftsin . Corynebacterium parvum (CP)-stimulated macrophages, on the other hand, showed a 6- to 10-fold-lower capacity for tuftsin binding . Under similar experimental conditions, mouse fibroblast and lymphocyte preparations revealed no detectable specific binding . Tuftsin augmented the phagocytic response of normal and stimulated macrophages assessed both for phagocytosis mediated via the Fc-receptor and via non-specific receptors . CP-stimulated macrophages did not exhibit an increased phagocytic response upon treatment with tuftsin.

Cancer, 1979 Jul, 44(1), 117 - 23
Immunologic evaluation of patients with advanced head and neck cancer receiving weekly chemoimmunotherapy; Zighelboim J et al.; Patients with advanced head and neck cancer have significant reduction in their circulating lymphocyte mass which is reflected in decreased numbers of T cells, Fc receptor cells, and in derangements of T lymphocyte functions, i.e., decreased responsiveness to several dilutions of phytohemagglutinin and lack of development of delayed hypersensitivity to 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (70% of patients were DNCB (-)) . A population of phagocytic cells capable of decreasing lymphocyte responsiveness to mitogens were demonstrated . Removal of these cells resulted in an increment in lymphocyte responsiveness . Immunological impairment seemed to correlate with patients' ability to become sensitized to DNCB . Those patients who were DNCB (+) had less derangement in their immunological parameters . Weekly administration of Corynebacterium parvum in conjunction with chemotherapy did not have a discernible effect on patient's immune reactivity.

Biokhimiia, 1979 Jul, 44(7), 1321 - 8
{Possible role of high molecular weight polyphosphates in ATP synthesis from exogenous adenine by the culture of Corynebacterium sp., strain VSTI-301}; Butukhanov VD et al.; An addition of exogenous adenine to an autolysing 72-hour culture of Corynebacterium sp., strain BSTI-301 results in accumulation of as much as 0,6--1,0 mp of ATP per 1 ml of medium . Extracellular ATP accumulation under such conditions is coupled with a considerable decrease of the intracellular content of 5'-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate, orthophosphate, pyrophosphate and two fractions of high-polymeric polyphosphates PPh3 and PPh4, as compared to the control . The activity of pyrophosphate phosphohydrolase (EC 3.6.1.1) and polyphosphate phosphohydrolase (EC 3.6.1.11) is thereby considerably decreased in the cells growing on exogenous adenine, while the activity of ADP-phosphotransferase (EC 2.7.4.1) is increased 2-fold . It was found that in experiments with 14C-adenine the intracellular content of both ATP and ADP remains unchanged despite a considerable accumulation of extracellular ATP in Corynebacterium sp., strain BSTI-301 cells.

Pathology, 1979 Jul, 11(3), 533 - 5
Non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae causing subacute bacterial endocarditis: case report; Guard RW; This is the case report of a 13-yr-old European child from a boarding school at Herberton, on the Atherton Tableland, who developed subacute bacterial endocarditis, with 6 blood cultures at different times growing a non-toxigenic strain of Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

Infect Immun, 1979 Jul, 25(1), 237 - 48
Immunization against Schistosoma mansoni in rhesus monkeys and the requirement of activation of both cell-mediated and humoral mechanisms; Maddison SE et al.; When groups of rhesus monkeys were pretreated with BCG plus hyperimmune serum from monkeys with chronic schistosomiasis or with dialyzable transfer factor from uninfected monkeys plus hyperimmune serum and were challenged with 1,500 cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni, the mean worm burdens were significantly lower than that of untreated controls . Pretreatment with neither BCG alone nor Corynebacterium parvum plus a membrane antigen of adult worms of S . mansoni affected susceptibility . Neither lymphocyte proliferation in the presence of mitogens or schistosome antigen nor serological responsiveness (as measured by gel diffusion, Cercarienhullenreaktion, circumoval precipitation, or enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay) correlated with the degree of resistance of the animals to S . mansoni . The pretreatment procedures used did not cause any abnormal histopathological responses and did not alter the characteristic host response to schistosome eggs in the lungs, liver, mesenteric lymph nodes, and colon.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1979 Jul, (7), 48 - 51
{Interrelationship of toxin formation with proteolytic enzyme synthesis in the process of cultivating diptheria microorganisms}; Savranskaia SIa et al.; For the first time the synthesis of proteolytic enzymes by Corynebacterium diphtheriae has been shown to precede the process of toxin formation . The process of controlling the proteolytic activity of enzymes seems to be a suitable basis for the evaluation of toxin formation in mathematically planned experiments with strictly controlled tasks.

Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1979 Jun 2, 109(22), 860 - 1
{Postoperative prevention of recurrence with intrapleural Corynebacterium parvum in patients with stage I and II bronchial carcinomas . Ludwig lung cancer study I}; Effects of repeated Corynebacterium parvum and BCG therapy on immune parameters: a weekly study of melanoma patients II . Changes in serum immunoglobulins and lymphoid cell subpopulations; Two groups, each of eight patients, with metastatic melanoma were immunized with either C . parvum or BCG at 3-weekly intervals . The serum IgG, IgA, IgM levels, E-rosettes, EA-rosetts, sIg-bearing cells, 'null cells' and lymphocyte blastogenesis at four PHA concentrations were assayed, before immunization and weekly thereafter for 8 weeks . The pre-immunization E-rosette values were significantly reduced, with a significant increase in 'null cell' values and EA-rosette percentages, when compared with healthy controls . Following C . parvum immunization, significant increases occurred in E-rosette percentages with decreases in EA-rosette and 'null cell' counts . A significant reduction in 'null cell' values also occurred with BCG . Other parameters including PHA blastogenesis did not exhibit statistically significant changes . Different methods of expressing the results (particularly of blastogenesis data) were compared, as were the similarities between the present investigation and a study of the effects of a single immunization . The relationship between the subpopulation changes and lymphocyte cytotoxicity described in an earlier article (Thatcher, Swindell & Crowther, 1979a) is discussed.

Acta Pathol Microbiol Scand {C}, 1979 Jun, 87C(3), 167 - 75
Activation of human monocytes by mediators from lymphocytes stimulated with Corynebacterium parvum; Hammerstrom J et al.; Human monocytes activated in vitro by lymphokine-containing supernatants of autologous or allogeneic lymphocytes stimulated in vitro by Corynebacterium parvum (CP) expressed increased ability to suppress DNA-synthesis in a human tumour cell line . Monocyte activation was not dependent on in vitro differentiation of monocytes, enhanced cytostatic ability being observed at all stages of in vitro differentiation . The lymphokine-induced cytostatic ability was not affected by intensive washing and trypsin treatment of the activated monocytes, but disappeared during 48 hours of in vitro culture of the activated cells . The increased cytostatic ability of lymphokine-activated monocytes did not seem to be due to stable supernatant factors released from monocytes . CP stimulated DNA-synthesis in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 28 normal donors, thus confirming the mitogenic effect of CP on human lymphocytes . Lymphokine production in response to CP correlated with the magnitude of DNA-synthesis, but appeared before DNA-synthesis could be detected in the lymphocytes.

Br J Exp Pathol, 1979 Jun, 60(3), 259 - 68
An ultrastructural study of peritoneal mononuclear phagocytes from Corynebacterium parvum-injected mice; Pugh-Humphreys RG et al.; Peritoneal mononuclear phagocytes harvested from mice 24 h after i.p . injection of C . parvum displayed hypertrophy of the Golgi and smooth endoplasmic reticulum complex with attendant increase in lysosome production . The ingested bacilli were identified within phagolysosomes, within which large myelin figures accumulated . In addition to heterophagic vacuoles, autophagosomes and lipid droplets were observed . These latter two inclusions may reflect a direct or indirect cytopathic effect of C . parvum on the phagocytes.

Br J Cancer, 1979 Jun, 39(6), 613 - 20
Microenvironmental arginine depletion by macrophages in vivo; Currie GA et al.; Since the tumour-selective cytotoxic activity of activated macrophages in vitro can be attributed to depletion of the culture medium of L-arginine by macrophage arginase, a series of experiments was designed to determine whether such a mechanism could operate in vivo . Extracellular fluid obtained from Gullino chambers within established tumours contained high levels of arginase, no detectable arginine and high levels of ornithine . When tumours were disaggregated into single-cell suspensions, arginase was readily detected within tumour macrophages but not within malignant cells . Inflammatory ascites induced in mice by Corynebacterium parvum was rich in arginase, depleted of L-arginine and cytotoxic in vitro to L5178Y and V79 cells . High levels of arginase in the ascites fluid were associated with resistance to challenge with syngeneic L5178Y cells . Lymph collected from the cisterna chyli in rats bearing a macrophage-rich sarcoma on the small bowel contained elevated levels of arginase, was depleted of arginine and contained increased concentrations of ornithine . We conclude that in sites of macrophage infiltration there is microenvironmental arginine depletion due to the action of arginase, and that arginase release could represent an important macrophage effector mechanism against a variety of targets, including malignant cells, virus-infected cells, fungi and parasites.

J Clin Microbiol, 1979 Jun, 9(6), 693 - 8
Characterization of a screening test for diphtherial toxin antigen produced by individual plaques of corynebacteriophages; Welkos SL et al.; A passive immune hemolysis assay has been developed to detect diphtherial toxin produced in individual plaques of tox+ corynebacteriophages . This assay permits rapid screening of large numbers of corynebacteriophages for their ability to code for diphtherial toxin or related antigens . The specificity of the assay and its potential usefulness for genetic studies of toxinogenesis have been demonstrated with well-characterized tox+ and tox- laboratory strains of corynebacteriophages.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1979 Jun, (6), 58 - 61
{Heteromorphism of the corynebacteria . III . D- (dark) and C- (clear) cell types and multiseptate specimens}; Vysotskii VV; A population of Corynebacterium diphtheriae may consist of cells with accented (osmiophilic) cytoplasm (cells of the "dark" type, or D type) and cells with cytoplasm having no pronounced osmiophilic properties (cells of the "clear" type, or C type) . The divergence of the population into cells of the D and C types occurs at the stage of cell division, the original mother cell being able to divide into 2 or more individual cells belonging to different types (elongated multiseptate cells) . At the same time no morphological disturbances in septation may be observed . The ability of each type of cells for division into the corresponding individual daughter cells indicates their being biologically valid . The mixed (D--C) population of Corynebacterium diphtheriae is considered to be a sign of the dissociation of bacterial culture.

Br J Cancer, 1979 May, 39(5), 558 - 65
Monocytes and macrophages in malignant melanoma IV . Effects of C . parvum on monocyte function; Hedley DW et al.; Assays for the capacity of peripheral-blood monocytes (a) to mature in vitro into macrophages, (b) to reduce nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT) and (c) to lyse antibody-coated human Group A red cells, were applied to a group of 82 patients with histologically proven malignant melanoma . In patients with micrometastatic disease there was an enhancement of red-cell lysis and NBT reduction, suggesting that their monocytes are in some way "activated", whereas NBT reduction was suppressed in those with overt dissemination . Monocyte maturation in vitro was impaired in all patient groups to an extent which correlated with overall tumour burden . Corynebacterium parvum was administered i.v . to 12 patients with disseminated disease and by the intradermal route to 24 patients with micrometastatic disease . The 3 monocyte functions were significantly enhanced by C . parvum.

Arch Androl, 1979 May, 2(3), 263 - 8
Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial flora in semen from fertile and infertile groups of men; Rehewy MS et al.; Semen samples were collected by masturbation under asceptic conditions from men who had sired children within the past 6 mo (group A) and asymptomatic men attending an infertility clinic who had not sired children and whose wives were asymptomatic for infertility (group B) . These 109 semen samples were analyzed and cultured for isolation of aerobic and anerobic organisms . Overall, 68% of the specimens had positive bacterial cultures: 54% of the samples from group A were positive and 73% from group B were positive . Mixed bacterial flora were isolated from both groups but in group B they were more varied and present in a higher colony count than in group A . Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staph . aureus, Corynebacterium species, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum were isolated from group A . Group B revealed these organisma plus Streptococcus pneumoniae type III, Strep . pyogenes group A, Strep . feacalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Bacteroides species, Peptostreptococcus species, and Eubacterium species . Semen samples from group A were of better quality than those from group B . In addition, the antibacterial effect of seminal plasma from group A was greater than that from group B.

Ann Immunol (Paris), 1979 May-Jun, 130C(3), 445 - 59
{Equal sensitivity of normal or tumoral fibroblasts to cytotoxic and cytostatic effects of normal or "Corynebacterium parvum" activated peritoneal exudate cells (author's transl)}; Fray A et al.; Cytotoxic and cytostatic properties of peritoneal exudate cells from BALB/c mice either normal or pretreated with Corynebacterium parvum normal were studied using as target cells two lines of BALB/c fibroblasts one normal (BALB) and one transformed by Kirsten virus (K.BALB). . C . parvum activated cells displayed higher cytotoxic as measured by 51Cr or 3H-thymidine release and cytostatic, as measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation, activities against these lines of syngeneic cells . Cytotoxic effect of normal peritoneal cells was evident when 51Cr or 3H-thymidine release was used whereas no such effect was found when cytolytic plaque formation test was used . Sensitivity of both BALB and K.BALB target cell lines was found to be equal to cytotoxic and cytostatic activities of C . parvum activated or normal syngeneic peritoneal cells.

J Immunol, 1979 May, 122(5), 1655 - 7
In vitro killing of schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni by BCG and C . parvum-activated macrophages; Mahmoud AA et al.; Resistance to Schistosoma mansoni infection in the mouse has been induced either specifically by a primary infection with this parasite or nonspecifically by a variety of immunostimulants such as BCG . In the present study we developed an in vitro system to examine the effector mechanism of nonspecifically induced resistance . Activated macrophage monolayers obtained from BCG- or Corynebacterium parvum treated mice killed a respective mean 32 +/- 6% and 48 +/- 5% of schistosomula after 24 hr incubation . The killing of the parasites was verified by their inability to mature to adult worms upon injection into normal mice . The activated macrophage-mediated killing was related to cell:parasite ratio, and was partially lost if the macrophage monolayers were kept in cultures for 24 hr before incubation with the organism . Supernatants of macrophages cultured in the presence of schistosomula killed a mean of 51 +/- 3% of the organisms whereas those from cells cultured alone resulted in a mean killing of 25 +/- 3% . Furthermore, toxic supernatants could be generated equally well on incubation with S . mansoni schistosomula or Trichinella spiralis larvae . Our data show that activated macrophage monolayers through soluble mediators destroy a significant proportion of the multicellular parasite S . mansoni schistosomula in vitro.

Cancer, 1979 May, 43(5), 1619 - 23
Active specific immunotherapy with tumor cells and Corynebacterium parvum: a phase I study; McCune CS et al.; Autologous, irradiated (10,000 rads) tumor cells mixed with C . parvum were given as weekly intracutaneous injections to fifteen patients with residual malignant disease . The toxicity was minimal and distinctly less than has been seen with tumor cell-BCG immunotherapy . A goal of 4 injections of 10(7) cells each was possible in only 4 patients because of limitations in methods of disaggregation and quantity of tumor available . The feasibility aspects are discussed and a case report of a prolonged regression is presented.

Clin Exp Immunol, 1979 May, 36(2), 227 - 36
Effects of repeated Corynebacterium parvum and BCG therapy on immune parameters: a weekly sequential study of melanoma patients . I . Changes in non-specific (NK, K and T cell) lymphocytotoxicity, peripheral blood counts and delayed hypersensitivity reactions; Thatcher N et al.; Increased lymphocyte cytotoxicity, particularly of 'killer' K cell type was recorded with repeated immunizations of either C . parvum or BCG . A 3 week interval between immunizations was capable of maintaining the increase in cytotoxicity . No marked alterations of 'recall' skin hypersensitivity reactions nor of peripheral blood counts were noted . Expression of cytotoxicity results as percentage 51Cr release, lytic units/ml and cytotoxic capacity (after logit transformation of the cytotoxicity-lymphocyte curves) are described . A 3 week immunization schedule is suggested where BCG and C . parvum are used as immunotherapeutic agents, in the doses quoted.

Dis Colon Rectum, 1979 May-Jun, 22(4), 223 - 7
A trial of 5-fluorouracil and Corynebacterium parvum in advanced colorectal carcinoma; Gough IR et al.; This study has confirmed that patients who have advanced colorectal carcinoma have impaired responsiveness to delayed-hypersensitivity skin testing, and also have elevated levels of serum IgM . Serial observations of delayed-hypersensitivity skin tests, total lymphocyte counts, T-lymphocyte counts, B-lymphocyte counts, and serum immunoglobulin levels failed to reveal any consistent pattern of responses in patients treated with either chemotherapy alone or chemoimmunotherapy . In 33 patients chosen at random to receive either 5-FU alone or 5-FU in combination with intramuscularly administered C . parvum, there was no evidence of objective response or influence on survival . Intramuscularly administered C . parvum, in the dose and schedule used, produced no evident immunologic or therapeutic effect.

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 1979 May, 28(3), 548 - 58
Epidemiologic studies among Amerindian populations of Amazônia . I . Pyoderma: prevalence and associated pathogens; Lawrence DN et al.; Pyoderma was studied among a representative sample of the residents of four remote Amerindian villages, Amazonas State, Brazil, during July-August 1976 . The overall prevalence among the 775 inhabitants examined was 11%, with little intervillage variation . When the attack rates for the entire sample population were calculated by 5-year age intervals, the 0- to 4-year-olds had the highest rate, 31% . The highest prevalence, 38%, was found among 3-year-olds . Attack rates were not apparently related to sex . Cultures which were taken from representative pyoderma lesions from people in the four survey villages and from three additional villages were studied by a modified delayed culture technique for recovery of gram-positive pathogens from silica-gel desiccated swabs . Group A and group G B-hemolytic streptococci, coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus, and Corynebacterium diphtheriae were isolated . Group A S . pyogenes was most commonly found, occasionally as the sole pathogenic species . No nephritogenic M-types were found, although most isolates were not M-typable . The T-types found corresponded to those previously reported as being pyoderma-associated . Most pyoderma-associated C . diphtheriae isolates were non-toxigenic . Biotypes gravis and mitis were equally represented.

Res Vet Sci, 1979 May, 26(3), 333 - 8
Conditions for in vitro haemolytic activity by Corynebacterium ovis exotoxin; Burrell DH; A substance, concluded to be Corynebacterium ovis exotoxin on the basis of properties shared, was found to have haemolytic activity below pH 6 and red cell adhesion activity at neutral or slightly alkaline pH . An acidified, solid blood agar medium was used to demonstrate the extent of haemolysis that could be obtained at optimal pH and its inhibition by immune serum . Culture in a liquid medium giving rise to a suitably acidic pH allowed titration for haemolytic activity by the exotoxin and use of supernatant in a haemolysis-inhibition test to detect antitoxin.

Blut, 1979 Apr 20, 38(4), 331 - 6
No effects of levamisole on cytotoxic drug-induced changes of human granulopoiesis; Schreml W et al.; The effect of Levamisole on the human granulopoiesis was studied in patients randomized to receive, in addition to adjuvant chemotherapy for primary breast cancer, either no other treatment or additional unspecific immune therapy with Levamisole . The reaction of granulopoiesis to the cytostatic drugs, as characterized by changes of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), functional bone marrow granulocyte reserve, serial bone marrow cytology, and granulopoietic stem cells (CFU-C) in marrow and blood, was not affected by administration of Levamisole . The data support the concept that Levamisole has no direct effect on human bone marrow granulopoiesis, but that an allergic mechanism is involved in the pathogenesis of Levamisole-induced agranulocytosis . The expectation that Levamisole exerts a beneficial effect by stimulation of the granulopoiesis, as previously suggested for BCG and Corynebacterium parvum, could not be substantiated in our studies.

Cancer, 1979 Apr, 43(4), 1328 - 30
Metabolic changes following the intravenous infusion of Corynebacterium parvum in man; Royle G et al.; The acute changes in concentrations of key blood metabolites and liver function tests were measured following intravenous infusion of Corynebacterium parvum in 9 healthy patients who had recently undergone resection of a colorectal cancer . The following results were obtained: 1) Blood glucose, lactate and ketone body concentrations significantly increased over a 5 hour study period; 2) blood alanine fell during the same period; 3) plasma bilirubin, GOT and urea were significantly elevated 24 hours after C . parvum 4) plasma albumin and cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower 24 hours after C . parvum . These changes are similar to the alterations in hepatic metabolism previously described in clinical bacterial infections, and indicate parenchymal cell damage and reduced synthetic activity . They are potentially important in relation to the treatment of cancer with combined modalities where drug metabolism or excretion may be affected.

Br J Cancer, 1979 Apr, 39(4), 441 - 4
Lack of effect of immunotherapy with BCG and Corynebacterium parvum on hepatic drug hydroxylation in man; Wan HH et al.; Serial serum diphenylhydantoin and urinary 5-(p-hydroxphenyl)-5-phenylhydantoin concentrations were determined in 8 patients with malignant disease and 4 healthy volunteers on 2 separate occasions after an oral dose of diphenylhydantoin (500 mg) . No significant difference was observed between metabolism before and 10 days after immunization with BCG or Corynebacterium parvum . Volunteers without intervening immunization similarly showed no difference.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1979 Apr, (4), 75 - 8
{Heteromorphism of corynebacteria . II . Microcells}; Vysotskii VV; The formation of microcells is one of the manifestations of the heteromorphism of Corynebacterium . It can occur in 6 ways, of these, 3 are possible during septation (chaotic septation of gigantic macroforms, irregular multiseptation of elongated organisms, and microcells appearing as inserts at the sites of the septum formation), and 3 in undividing cells (microcells at the edge segments of the protoplast, exogemmation, endogemmation) . The analysis of the ultrastructure of microcells indicated the possibility of their independent existence for a certain period of time.

South Med J, 1979 Apr, 72(4), 475 - 6
"Diphtheroid" pneumonia; Jacobs NF Jr et al.; We have described a case of pneumonia caused by Corynebacterium CDC Group D2 which was diagnosed by Gram stain of a specimen obtained by transtracheal aspiration and recovery of the organisms from the aspirate specimen in pure culture . Treatment with penicillin was successful.

J Invest Dermatol, 1979 Apr, 72(4), 187 - 90
Laboratory induction and clinical occurrence of combined clindamycin and erythromycin resistance in Corynebacterium acnes; Crawford WW et al.; Corynebacterium acnes strains cross-resistant to clindamycin and erythromycin were observed following long-term selection or mutagenic treatment in the laboratory . Similar strains were found among clinical isolates from patients using clindamycin or erythromycin topically in the treatment of acne vulgaris . Clindamycin resistance was never observed in the absence of resistance to macrolides or other lincosaminides . It is suggested that this resistance may result from an alteration of the 50S ribosomal subunit.

J Immunol, 1979 Apr, 122(4), 1587 - 91
Defective tumoricidal capacity of macrophages from A/J mice . I . Characterization of the macrophage cytotoxic defect after in vivo and in vitro activation stimuli; Boraschi D et al.; Macrophages from A/J mice fail to develop tumoricidal activity after any of several in vivo or in vitro treatments that activate cells from C3H/HeN mice . Peritoneal macrophages from A/J mice treated i.p . with viable Mycobacterium bovis, strain BCG, killed Corynebacterium parvum, or pyran copolymer fail to develop in vitro tumoricidal activity; varying the numbers of macrophages from treated mice added to target cells, or the dose and time of treatment, or the treatment schedule of these in vivo activation stimuli did not evoke cytotoxic activity . Moreover, cytotoxic activity by macrophages from A/J mice was not observed with any of four target cell lines derived from three different mouse strains . In vitro treatment of peritoneal exudate macrophages from A/J mice with lymphokine-rich supernatants, bacterial endotoxins, or T cell mitogens was also ineffective; varying the numbers of treated macrophages added to target cells, the dose of in vitro activation stimuli, or the time of treatment did not evoke cytotoxic activity . Thus, A/J mice exhibit a profound defect in macrophage tumoricidal capacity to both in vivo and in vitro activation stimuli over a wide range of experimental conditions.

Jikken Dobutsu, 1979 Apr, 28(2), 297 - 306
{Seromonitoring of laboratory mouse and rat colonies for common murine pathogens (author's transl)}; Fujiwara K et al.; During a period from 1973 to 1978, 392 and 225 lots including 12,232 mouse and 8,044 rat individual sera, respectively, were examined for antibodies to murine hepatitis virus, Sendai virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma pulmonis, Tyzzer agents, Salmonella typhimurium and Corynebacterium kutscheri . Of mouse lots 94.5% and 39.3% from breeder and user colonies, respectively, were negative for all antibodies examined as well as 31.6% and 17.2% of rat breeder and user colonies, respectively . Among positive lots from mouse users, high positivity rates were seen with Senai virus (47.6%), M . pulmonis (19.0%), and murine hepatitis virus (JHM : 18.2%, MHV : 31.0%), while the rates were high in rat user lots with Sendai virus (24.4%), B . bronchiseptica (39.3%) M . pulmonis (12.5%), murine coronaviruses (JHM : 19.0%, MHV-2 : 28.0%) and tyzzer agents (MSK : 19.6%, RT : 17.9%) . These pathogenes with high positivities should be monitored indispensably as a quality control of laboratory mice and rats.

J Clin Microbiol, 1979 Apr, 9(4), 517 - 9
Nuclease enhancement of specific cell agglutination in a serodiagnostic test for Neisseria gonorrhoeae; Arko RJ et al.; Antiserum to a purified type R lipopolysaccharide antigen isolated from Neisseria gonorrhoeae was used in a slide agglutination test and compared with conventional carbohydrate utilization and fluorescent antibody tests to confirm the identity of laboratory cultures classified as typical or "atypical" N . gonorrhoeae . Cultures of Corynebacterium vaginalis, N . meningitidis, N . catarrhalis, N . sicca, and N . lactamicus were also tested in the slide agglutination procedure . The addition of both deoxyribonuclease and ribonuclease (1 mg/ml) to the cell suspension medium of phosphate-buffered saline improved the sensitivity and specificity of the agglutination reaction for N . gonorrhoeae . Problems relating to the agglutination test as an aid in identification of N . gonorrhoeae are discussed.

Prax Klin Pneumol, 1979 Apr, 33 Suppl 1, 350 - 7
{Immunotherapy of malignant growths (author's transl)}; Gericke D; Our knowledge of antigens which are associated with different types of malignant tumours is steadily increasing . These antigens exist in considerable numbers, but, so far with few exceptions, only their presence can be demonstrated by certain methods; to isolate and identify them has not yet been possible . These antigens are, therefore, suitable not so much for the primary diagnosis, but rather, like the carcinoembryonic antigen, the tissue-polypeptide antigen or the alpha-feto-protein, for assessing the success of treatment . Active immunization has recently received a fresh impulse by the use of the enzyme neuraminidase, derived from Vibrio cholerae, in the treatment of tumour cells . There is no passive specific immunotherapy in human cancer . As to specific active immunotherapy BCG, Corynebacterium parvum and preparations of these and other micro-organisms together with polynucleotides, levamisol, statolon, tilorone have been employed . Although the results are not uniform they are promising . Attempts at cellular transfer of immunity are not very encouraging . It should be emphasized that the findings apply to human cancer . Experimental studies have produced very interesting results.

J Clin Pathol, 1979 Apr, 32(4), 391 - 5
Detection of bacterial phosphatase activity by means of an original and simple test; Satta G et al.; A new test for the detection of bacterial phosphatase activity has been devised . The test is performed using agar media containing both methyl green (MG) and phenolphthalein diphosphate (PDP); in these media phosphatase-producing strains grow deep-green-stained colonies whereas non-producing strains do not . A total of 739 different strains were tested, including 593 staphylococci, 95 micrococci, 11 streptococci, 10 corynebacteria, 14 enterobacteria, and 16 candidae . All strains found phosphatase-positive according to the conventional phosphatase test displayed deep-green-stained colonies on MG-PDP media, whereas all phosphatase-negative strains showed unstained colonies on the same media . The main advantages of the present phosphatase test as compared with other conventional ones are that it is more simple to perform, it can reveal the phosphatase activity of colonies grown in deep agar, and can be incorporated into commercial multitest kits.

Vet Rec, 1979 Mar 24, 104(12), 253 - 5
A comparison of the antibacterial properties of some udder creams and ointments; Alexander F et al.; The antibacterial activity of three udder creams and two ointments was assayed using three different methods . Seven different bacterial genera were used as test organisms providing a total of 17 strains . Only a single strain of corynebacterium was inhibited by all the preparations . Certain strains of staphylococci and streptococci were inhibited by four of the preparations . The gram-negative organisms showed greatest resistance to the antibacterial agents tested . The in vitro assays showed only one of the five preparations to have even slight bactericidal activity . These preparations when tested on the teats of dry and lactating cows showed similar results to the in vitro experiments.

Experientia, 1979 Mar 15, 35(3), 330 - 2
Penetration and interaction with haemoglobin of corynebacteria-like microorganisms into erythrocytes in vitro; Tedeschi GG et al.; Following 24 h incubation of normal blood in the presence of the microorganism, the evolution of cell wall deficient forms within the erythrocytes and a process of oxidation of the haemoglobin may be observed.

Am J Vet Res, 1979 Mar, 40(3), 400 - 2
Serum proteins of normal goats and goats with caseous lymphadenitis; Desiderio JV et al.; Values for total serum proteins and relative percentages of albumin, alpha 1-globulin, alpha 2-globulin, beta-globulin, and gamma-globulin were determined for the goat . These normal values were compared with those obtained for goats infected with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis . Goats chronically infected with C pseudotuberculosis show significantly higher total serum protein values than normal goats, apparently due to increased gamma-globulins . This higher protein value is also associated with a decrease in serum alpha 2- and beta-globulins.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1979 Mar 1, 174(5), 516 - 7
Feline pyothorax caused by a Borrelia-like organism and Corynebacterium pyogenes; Dickie CW; A 2-year-old, neutered, male cat was euthanatized because of difficult repiration and inability to rise . Necropsy revealed pyothorax . Corynebacterium pyogenes was grown from the purulent thoracic exudate . A Borrelia-like microorganism was demonstrated in the exudate, using phase-contrast microscopy.

Cancer Res, 1979 Mar, 39(3), 987 - 92
Conditions for effective Bacillus Calmette-Guérin immunotherapy of postsurgical metastases of 13762A rat mammary adenocarcinoma; Kreider JW et al.; We evaluated critical variables in Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy of residual 13762A rat mammary adenocarcinoma . BCG was given intratumorally on Day 7 of tumor growth and followed by primary tumor excisions on Day 20 . Untreated animals died on about Day 40 with axillary nodal and pulmonary parenchymal metastases . BCG-treated animals experienced prolonged survival, and some were cured . The highest dose (5.0 X 10(7) colony-forming units) of BCG was more effective than the lowest (0.5 X 10(7) colony-forming units), but 1,500 micrograms Corynebacterium parvum were more effective than even the highest BCG dose . Previous sensitization to BCG did not improve the effects of BCG treatment . BCG treatment was effective when given on Day 7 and sometimes as late as Day 12 or 17, but C . parvum was ineffective if given after Day 7 . Repeated injections of BCG or C . parvum were not more effective than single injections were . Rats cured of residual 13762A tumor by BCG treatment were strongly and specifically immune to rechallenge . We concluded that a high dose (5.0 X 10(7) colony-forming units) of BCG given early (7 days) was the most effective presurgical treatment of 13762A metastases . Repeated injections or host presensitization to BCG did not improve the benefits.

Arch Ophthalmol, 1979 Mar, 97(3), 500 - 2
Corynebacterium endophthalmitis . Laboratory studies and report of a case treated by vitrectomy; Hanscom T et al.; A Corynebacterium sp was isolated from the vitreous humor under aseptic conditions on two separate occasions from a patient with endophthalmitis resulting from a penetrating injury by a metallic foreign body . The metallic foreign body was removed during a pars plana lensectomy and anterior vitrectomy procedure; intravitreously injected methicillin sodium, gentamicin sulfate, and dexamethasone sodium phosphate gave a functional visual result . Intravitreous inoculation of rabbits with the Corynebacterium isolate produced an endophthalmitis similar to that produced in the patient, and subsequent cultures from the vitreous of the inoculated rabbits grew the same Corynebacterium sp . To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of endophthalmitis in which a Corynebacterium sp was documented by intraocular culture.

J Cutan Pathol, 1979 Feb, 6(1), 18 - 30
Pitted keratolysis (keratolysis plantare sulcatum) . Ultrastructural study; Tilgen W; Biopsies from typical lesions of pitted keratolysis from five patients have been investigated by electron microscopy to provide information on colonization and morphology of the microorganisms involved in this disease . A part of the biopsies was inoculated in culture media, and Corynebacteria were selected for further examination . Electron microscopy revealed a great variability in the morphologic feature of bacteria concerning size, shape, capsule, cell wall, cross wall formation, plasma membrane, nucleoplasm, cytoplasmic organelles and constituents including mesosomes, ribosomes, volutin granules, and glycogen particles . The pleomorphism is thought to be due in part to the diversity of preparation techniques used in this study and in part to different growth conditions in vivo and in vitro . As a consequence the present findings are only partly comparable with previously published data on bacteria involved in skin diseases . Evidence is presented that bacteria inducing pitted keratolysis may be able to destroy keratin by means of hydrolytic enzymatic activity.

J Bacteriol, 1979 Feb, 137(2), 795 - 801
Analysis of corynomycolic acids and other fatty acids produced by Corynebacterium lepus grown on kerosene; Cooper DG et al.; The saponifiable carboxylic acids of the extracellular product of Corynebacterium lepus grown on kerosene have been isolated and characterized . About 25% of these acids were a mixture of simple, saturated fatty acids ranging from C13 to C24 and including both even and odd homologues . The distribution of these acids was bimodal, with maxima at C15 and C21 . The other 75% of the acids was a mixture of corynomycolic acids {R1--CH(OH)--CH(R2)--COOH} ranging from C28 to C43 . The R1 alkyl fragments varied from C16 to C25, and R2 fragments varied from C6 to C14 . Both even and odd corynomycolic acid homologues were observed, and the distribution had a single pronounced maximum at C32 and C33 . Bacterial utilization of the carboxylic oxidation products of the kerosene substrate is suggested to account for the wide distribution in chain length of these saturated fatty acids and for the observation of both even and odd homologues.

Clin Exp Immunol, 1979 Feb, 35(2), 171 - 9
Effects of Corynebacterium parvum and BCG therapy on immune parameters in patients with disseminated melanoma . A sequential study over 28 days . II . Changes in non-specific (NK, K and T cell) lymphocytoxicity and delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions; Thatcher N et al.; C . parvum and BCG produced significant changes in NK, K and T cell lymphocytotoxicity using a Chang liver target cell . A consistent temporal pattern over 28 days of early depression, recovery, overshoot and then decline was described . This was particularly marked for C . parvum and 'K' cell activity . Skin test reactivity to recall antigens at 28 days was not appreciably different from the pre-immunization reactivity . The importance of using lymphocyte concentration-cytotoxicity titration curves and the linearization of such curves is discussed . An immunotherapy schedule with 3 weekly immunization intervals is proposed as the optimum schedule in patients receiving C . parvum at a dose of 2.0 mg/m2 i.v.

Parasitology, 1979 Feb, 78(1), 77 - 87
Corynebacterium parvum as an adjuvant for Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigote vaccines: a comparison with saponin and Bordetella pertussis; Bomford R et al.; The effect was compared in CBA mice of adding Corynebacterium parvum, saponin, and Bordetella pertussis to living or killed Trypanosoma cruzi (Y strain) epimastigote vaccines on the induction of protective immunity against subcutaneous (s.c.) challenge with blood trypomastigotes . The addition of C . parvum to a low dose of T . cruzi vaccine, which alone was non-protective, generated a greater degree of protection than did saponin or B . pertussis . C . parvum alone increased resistance to infection to a variable and usually weak extent . The addition of C . parvum to larger doses of T . cruzi vaccine, which were themselves sufficient to elicit some degree of protection, improved resistance when the challenge was given 1 or 12 weeks after immunization, but lowered it at 3 weeks . It is concluded that the comparative efficacy of adjuvants for T . cruzi vaccines needs to be assessed on 3 parameters: (1) the dose of antigen, (2) the dose of adjuvant and (3) the time interval between immunization and challenge.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1979 Feb, (2), 91 - 6
{Use of microbial cells of Corynebacterium diphtheriae for preparing a nutrient medium}; Savranskaia SIa et al.; Nutrient media prepared on the basis of microbial cells (Corynebacteria diphtheriae) proved to be no less nutrient in comparison with conventional media prepared on the full-value food products . Use of diphtheria bacilli (by-products of diphtheria toxoid production) as the basis for nutrient media permitted to use up to 30% less food products for this purpose.

Int J Cancer, 1979 Jan 15, 23(1), 114 - 8
Effect of Corynebacterium parvum on hemopoietic stem-cell kinetics; Eliopoulos G et al.; The intravenous administration of 548 microgram of killed Corynebacterium parvum (C . parvum) into C57BL mice leads to a significant decrease in the number of bone-marrow colony-forming-units in spleen (CFUs) as early as 12 h after the injection of the bacterium . This decrease persisted in varying degrees for 3 weeks . After an initial fall at 24 h, the splenic CFUs exhibited a rapid expansion and reached values 10 times higher than the control range on the ninth day . A significant rise in the number of circulating CFUs, reaching a first peak at 2 h and a second one on the fifth day, was also observed . The proliferative status of femoral CFUs was increased at 48 and 72 h, while that of splenic CFUs presented a significant increase only 48 h after the injection of C . parvum . The sequence of events which were observed in these experiments indicates that an accelerated migration of hemopoietic stem cells from bone marrow to spleen via the blood circulation has to take place.

J Bacteriol, 1979 Jan, 137(1), 243 - 7
Tripeptide hydroxamate from Corynebacterium kutscheri; McCullough WG et al.; A tripeptide hydroxamate was isolated from cultures of Corynebacterium kutscheri grown on an iron-limiting medium . The metabolite was characterized by spectral measurements and by chemical degradation as L-alpha-aspartyl-L-alpha-N-hydroxy-aspartyl-D-cycloserine.

Cancer Res, 1979 Jan, 39(1), 1 - 5
Effects of dose and schedule of immune stimulant on efficacy of combination Corynebacterium parvum-cyclophosphamide treatment for a murine mammary adenocarcinoma; Purnell DM et al.; Certain variables which might influence the outcome of combining cytotoxic drug and immune stimulant therapy were studied to optimize the effectiveness of Corynebacterium parvum combined with cyclophosphamide (CY) as treatment for a murine mammary adenocarcinoma (CaD2) . Optimal effects of combined C . parvum-CY treatment in the CaD2 system were obtained when 443 to 1400 microgram of this immune stimulant per mouse were injected 2 to 3 days after CY chemotherapy and when combination treatment was continued on a weekly basis . The most critical factors contributing to the effectiveness of combination treatment in this system were the dose of C . parvum and the treatment frequency . The interval between chemotherapy and immune stimulant therapy was less critical to the outcome of combination treatment . Combination treatment given once or weekly significantly decreased tumor size in comparison to single or weekly CY treatment . A single treatment with CY and C . parvum significantly improved the survival over mice given a single CY treatment, but weekly CY and C . parvum treatment did not increase the survival over mice, given weekly chemotherapy.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1979 Jan, 37(1), 4 - 10
Production of surface-active lipids by Corynebacterium lepus; Cooper DG et al.; Corynebacterium lepus was grown in 20-liter batch fermentations with kerosene as the sole carbon source . Critical micelle concentration measurements indicated the production of appreciable quantities of biosurfactants . This surface activity of the culture medium was due to lipids, which were extracted and identified . Samples of C . lepus whole broth were taken during a fermentation and monitored for surface tension, amount of surfactant present, and lipid content . The changes in the surfactant measured correlated with concentration changes of several surface-active lipids . An early dramatic increase in surfactant concentration was attributed to the production of a mixture of corynomycolic acids (beta-hydroxy alpha-branched fatty acids) . Surface activity at the end of the fermentation was due to a lipopeptide containing corynomycolic acids plus small amounts of several phospholipids and neutral lipids which were identified by thin-layer chromatography.

G Batteriol Virol Immunol, 1979 Jan-Jun, 72(1-6), 10 - 20
Studies on the inhibitory effects of zinc heptanoate on microorganisms; Basit N et al.; Inhibitory effect of zinc heptanoate was observed on different cultures of bacteria and fungi . Growth of all the bacteria was inhibited by the compound . Greatest inhibition was seen in the case of Staphylococcus albus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhi, S . paratyphi A, S . paratyphi B, Vibrio cholerae, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and E . coli whereas least inhibition was found in the case of Staphylococcus aureus . In triethanolamine: water (1:1) solution minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was least for Klebsiella pneumoniae (800 p.p.m.) while in the case of Staph . aureus and Bacillus subtilis it was 200 p.p.m . Among yeasts and fungi greatest inhibition was found with Trichophyton schoenleini, T . rubrum, T . gourvili, Microsporum adouini, M . vanbreuseghemi and least in the case of Candida albicans . In triethanolamine: water (1:1) solution the MIC for T . schoenleini and T . gourvili and T . violaceum was as low as 900 p.p.m . whereas in the case of Aspergillus oryzae it was highest--3500 p.p.m . The effect of the compound on glucose consumption of Aspergillus niger and Bacillus subtilis was also seen.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1979, 45(1), 81 - 94
Comparison of surfactant production from kerosene by four species of Corynebacterium; Gerson DF et al.; Four species of Corynebacterium-C . fasciens, C . hydrocarboclastus, C . lepus and C . xerosis, were compared for growth and surfactant production from kerosene . Nitrate as sole nitrogen source resulted in a sharp peak in surfactant concentration during mid-exponential growth phase . Ammonium plus nitrate resulted in growth-associated surfactant production . Surfactant was produced at a concentration of 50-80 times the critical micelle concentration by these species; greatest concentrations were produced by C . lepus . All species were pleomorphic, with greatest cell length occurring in early exponential phase . C . hydrocarboclastus had distinctly longer cells (5 mu) than the other species (3 mu) when grown in shake-flask culture . Ammonium sulfate at concentrations greater than 0.1% (w/v) increased cell length in stationary phase.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1979, 121(A), 333 - 41
Activation of pleural macrophages by intrapleural application of Corynebacterium parvum; Basic I et al.; A single ipl injection of 0.25 mg CP into CBA mice led to accumulation of macrophages in the pleural cavity, but it did not influence RES as an injection given iv ipl CP caused a three-to-five-fold increase in the number of nucleated cells in the pleural cavity which persisted at least 14 days . Of these cells 86% were macrophages as shown by their esterase activity . Less than 30% of cells from the pleural cavity of normal mice were esterase positive . Macrophages from the pleural cavity of CP-treated mice were capable of destroying in vitro cultures of a syngeneic mammary carcinoma, while normal pleural macrophages exerted no effect; the former were not cytotoxic for either syngeneic or allogeneic embryo fibroblasts . Ipl CP protected mice against iv injected mammary carcinoma cells; given to mice 7 days after iv inoculation of tumor cells it significantly reduced the number of tumor nodules in their lungs.

Natl Inst Anim Health Q (Tokyo), 1979 Fall, 19(3), 91 - 103
Pathological and microbiological studies on calf pneumonia occurring in mass rearing facilities; Ishino S et al.; Pathological and microbiological studies were conducted on lesions in the lungs of 194 calves from mass rearing facilities . Macroscopically, the lesions were classified into six forms: nonlesion, atelectasis, mild pneumonia, moderate pneumonia, advanced pneumonia, and advanced pneumonia accompanied with abscess . Histopathological examination revealed bronchopneumonia in most of the calves . Lesions more advanced than moderate pneumonia were complicated with desquamation, severe exudation, and necrosis . Bacteriologically, Pasteurella sp . was isolated often in combination with Staphylococcus sp . from about a half of the atelectatic cases . With the development of pneumonic lesions, Pasteurella sp . was isolated at a high frequency in combination with Haemophilus sp., Streptococcus sp., and Corynebacterium sp . Prominent necrosis was more often seen in cases with Pasteurella haemolytica isolated than in cases with only Pasteurella multocida isolated . Mycoplasma sp . and Ureaplasma sp . were isolated from distinctly pneumonic lesions . Advanced pneumonic lesions were observed in many calves over 30 days of age . The importance of environmental and managerial improvement was also emphasized, since calf pneumonia tended to break out in facilities under unsatisfactory conditions in the present work.

Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1979, 24(2), 176 - 81
Formation of DL-alanine by Corynebacterium sp . 9366-EMS/270; Plachy J; After a 4-d cultivation in a medium containing 7.5% glucose, 0.6% ammonium nitrate and 0.5% peptone, the leaky mutant Corynebacterium sp . 9366-EMS/270 stimulated in its growth by arginine, was found to accumulate 12.2 g DL-alanine per litre medium.

Cornell Vet, 1979 Jan, 69(1), 33 - 44
Ulcerative posthitis in bulls in Uruguay; Riet Correa F et al.; Ulcerative posthitis in bulls in Uruguay is described; 1096 bulls in 17 different establishments were examined . The incidence of bulls grazing on improved pasture was 32.9% in those under one year and 80.8% in animals of 18 to 36 months of age . Bulls grazing on natural pasture showed an incidence of 63.5% in adult animals irrespective of age . Histologic characteristics of the preputial lesions were acanthosis, parakeratosis and hyperkeratosis followed by invasion of leukocytes in the epithelium and ulceration . Corynebacterium renale was isolated from 59 of 204 prepuces . Based on the isolation of C . renale, histological lesions and the greater incidence in animals on high planes of nutrition, it is postulated that the lesion is due primarily to production of ammonia following the hydrolization of urea by the organism.

Exp Cell Biol, 1979, 47(1), 53 - 60
Effects of murine tumor necrosis factor on heterotransplanted human tumors; Helson L et al.; A partially purified glycoprotein fraction (the G-200 II fraction) obtained from sera of CD-1 mice sensitized with Corynebacterium parvum and treated with endotoxin was designated as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) . Human melanoma cells exposed to this factor in vitro had decreased tumorigenicity when injected into nude mice . Human melanoma, embryonal adenocarcinoma of the testis and colon carcinoma heterotransplanted in nude mice exhibited regressions in size following intraperitoneal injections of TNF . The responses were related to dose and duration of exposure.

Invest Urol, 1979 Jan, 16(4), 292 - 5
Corynebacterium pseudogenitalium sp . nov . Commensals of the human male and female urogenital tracts; Furness G et al.; Antisera to Corynebacterium genitalium Types C-1 to C-6 were prepared in rabbits and the titers of complement fixing antibodies to the homologous strains, to the heterologous strains, to C . genitalium Types I to V, and to the reference species Corynebacterium xerosis and Corynebacterium minutissimum ascertained . Five Types stimulated low levels of cross-reacting antibodies to all corynebacteria tested including Type C-3 . In contrast the antiserum to Type C-3 had antibodies to only two heterologous strains suggesting that these corynebacteria usually shared more than one minor cell wall antigen . The biologic reactions and serotypes of C . genitalium Types C-1 to C-6 have been compared with those of Types I to V . It is considered that C . genitalium should be retained for corynebacteria having the properties of Types I to V whereas corynebacteria having the characteristics of Types C-1 to C-6 that are commensals of the male and female urogenital tracts should be incorporated in a new species Corynebacteria pseudogenitalium sp . nov . The differences in the biologic characteristics of the two species have been discussed and summarized.

Clin Exp Immunol, 1979 Jan, 35(1), 36 - 44
Effects of Corynebacterium parvum and BCG therapy on immune parameters in patients with disseminated melanoma a sequential study over 28 days . I . Changes in blood counts, serum immunoglobulins and lymphoid cell populations; Thatcher N et al.; The effects of a single immunization of melanoma patients with BCG or C . parvum on the blood counts, serum immunoglobulin levels and lymphoid subpopulations were followed by multiple assays over 28 days . C . parvum produced a decrease in the white cell count, lymphocyte count and lymphoid T and sIg+ cell numbers, which recovered within 1 week; BCG did not produce such a marked depression . Both agents were associated with increases in T cell numbers and lymphocyte PHA blastogenesis after the first week; these declined to pre-immunization values by 3-4 weeks . The sIg-bearing cell subpopulation also increased after BCG . Different methods of expression the results were compared and the difficulties of immunological monitoring are discussed.

Biochem J, 1979 Jan 1, 177(1), 181 - 6
Purification and partial characterization of the exotoxin of Corynebacterium ovis; Onon EO; 1 . The toxin from Corynebacterium ovis, a phospholipase D (sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase D) that acts on 2-lysophosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelins, was purified by about 400-fold to homogeneity as judged by several criteria . {The EC number of the toxin (EC 3.1.4.41) has been allotted by the Nomenclature Committee of IUB, but has not yet been published.} 2 . A new assay method performed in vitro, based on inhibition by the toxin of erythrocyte lysis by staphylococcal beta-haemolysin, was developed to facilitate the purification . 3 . The toxin was found to be a basic (pI9.1) glycoprotein of mol.wt . 14,500 +/- 1,000 . 4 . The amino acid composition of the toxin was highly reminiscent of that of collagen, since it contained hydroxyproline, hydroxylysine and a high proportion of glycine, but preliminary tests showed no other similarities to collagen or proteins with similar compositions.

Scand J Infect Dis, 1979, 11(1), 89 - 92
Acute Corynebacterium endocarditis causing aortic valve destruction . Successful treatment with antibiotics and valve replacement; Rasmussen V et al.; A case of acute infective endocarditis caused by diphtheroids in a healthy young male is described . The pathogenic role of the diphtheroids was verified by recognition of the same bacterium in 6 consecutive blood cultures and simultaneous rise of specific antibody titers . The infection was effectively controlled by antibiotic treatment, but destruction of the aortic valve led to progressive heart failure irresponsive to medical treatment . The affected valve was successfully replaced by a prosthetic valve, and the patient made a complete recovery . Neither congenital or acquired cardiac defects, nor signs of immunological deficiency could be detected.

Exp Hematol, 1979, 7 Suppl 5, 228 - 45
Myelopoietic enhancement by immunoadjuvants: in vitro studies for their rational use in neutropenic patients; Verma DS et al.; Following marrow transplantation, the clinical course of the patients is invariably complicated by severe infections due to neutropenia and immuno-incompetence . With a view to explore means of alleviating these complications, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), methanol extraction residue of BCG (MER), Corynebacterium parvum (C . parvum) and Pyran were examined for their myelopoietic activity on human marrow . Light density (less than or equal to 1.077 g/ml) unfractionated (UF) cells (2 X 10(6)/ml and 2ml/dish), and adherent (Ad) and non-adherent (N-Ad) cells alone (derived from 4 X 10(6) UF cells per dish) were incubated with and without the above agents . The conditioned media (CM) were harvested at 24, 72, 96, and 168 hours and colony stimulating activity (CSA) assayed against light density non-adherent human marrow cells using double layer agar-culture system . CSA was maximum at 72 and 96 hours followed by an invariable decline at 168 hours' incubation . The optimal concentrations releasing maximum CSA varied for each agent . CM prepared with higher concentrations were less active . CM prepared in the presence of Pyran had no CSA . Comparisons of the maximally released CSA by the optimal concentrations of these agents revealed BCG and MER to be the most active . The CSA elaborated by UF cells was more than the total combined activity from separately incubated Ad and N-Ad cells . Re-addition studies revealed that almost full CSA could be recovered when Ad and N-Ad cells were incubated together at a ratio of 1:3 . Different immunoadjuvants have a differing capacity to elaborate CSA from human marrow cells and each has an optimal concentration for maximum CSA release . This may require a cell-cell and/or humoral interaction(s) between Ad and N-Ad cells.

Parasite Immunol, 1979 Winter, 1(4), 309 - 16
Phagosome/lysosome fusion: a possible prerequisite for the enhancement of antibody responses in vitro by BCG, Mycobacterium leprae and Corynebacterium parvum; Brown CA et al.; Primary in vitro antibody responses to SRBC were suppressed in cultures prepared from the spleens of CBA mice injected i.v . 20 days previously with 10(8) liver BCG . In contrast, cultures prepared from mice injected with dead BCG showed enhanced responses . In vitro spleen cell responses of the mice had returned to normal levels 4--6 weeks after their injection, but if dead BCG, M . leprae or C . parvum was added to the cultures, responses were enhanced . The enhancing effect of the added bacteria could be removed by adding also suramin, a drug known to inhibit in vitro fusion of lysosomes with phagosomes . It is suggested that the different in vivo effects of live and dead BCG may relate to differences in their handling by macrophages and more especially that the enhanced antibody forming cell response seen in the restimulated cultures of spleen cells from BCG primed mice, depends upon efficient intracellular fusion of lysosomes with the phagosomes containing the added dead bacteria.

Arch Exp Veterinarmed, 1979, 33(5), 783 - 9
{Immunofluorescence tests for the detection of antibodies against Corynebacterium pyogenes and streptococci in blood serum and vaginal mucus of cattle}; Schulz J et al.; Bacteriological tests were applied to cattle with endometritis and vaginitis . Included were cervical mucus samples and immunofluorescence tests to detect in that mucus as well as in blood serum antibody to Corynebacterium pyogenes and Streptococcus haemolyticus . The results pointed at intensive contact of the animals with the above pathogens and to their frequent occurrence in cervical mucus of cattle afflicted with endometritis and vaginitis . They also supported the assumption of localised antibody formation in the sexual organs or female cattle.

Scand J Immunol, 1979, 10(6), 575 - 84
Human monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity to K-562 cells: activation by lymphokines; Hammerstrom J; Human monocytes purified by adherence and prolonged in vitro monolayer culture were activated by supernatants of autologous lymphocytes stimulated with live bacillus Calmette-Guerin or killed Corynebacterium parvum . Activated monocytes expressed increased ability to lyse K-562 cells prelabelled with methyl-3H-thymidine in a 48 h assay . Activation could be detected at a 1:64 dilution of lymphokine supernatants . Target cell killing by activated monocytes was strongly influenced by the density of the monocyte monolayer . Monocytes at an intermediate stage of in vitro differentiation seemed to be most response to lymphokine activation . Morphological studies indicated that a considerable number of K-562 cells attach firmly to monocytes . The monocyte-mediated lysis of K-562 seems to be extracellular, as phagocytosis was not observed . Freshly isolated adherent blood mononuclear cells (greater than 90% monocytes) were strongly cytostatic to K-562 cells, as determined by inhibition of methyl-3H-thymidine uptake . Considerable cytolytic activity was also found with freshly isolated adherent cells, strong enhancement being produced by performing the assay in the presence of newborn calf serum, as opposed to human AB serum.

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 1979 Jan, 28(1), 4 - 11
Host defenses in murine malaria: successful vaccination of mice against Plasmodium berghei by using formolized blood parasites; Murphy JR et al.; Infections of normal ICR mice with the NYU-2 strain of Plasmodium berghei (Pb) are uniformly fatal . However, a proportion of mice that have been vaccinated with a formalin-killed antigen prepared from the blood stages of Pb survive an otherwise lethal challenge . Such immunity is not induced by immunization with normal mouse erythrocytes . The level of acquired anti-malarial immunity is related to the size and number of doses of antigen, and intravenous injection is superior to the subcutaneous route of vaccination . The addition of the adjuvants BCG and Corynebacterium parvum to the immunizing regimen improved the level of protection to a variable extent, depending on the batch of plasmodial antigen with which they were used . The adjuvants were most efficacious when used with batches of antigen which were poorly protective when used alone . These adjuvants were found never to protect ICR mice against Pb unless used in combination with specific antigen.

Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol, 1979, 58(1), 110 - 8
Effect of the MER tubercle bacillus fraction on the responsiveness of mice to T-independent antigens; Ben-Efraim S et al.; The effect of treatment with the methanol extraction residue (MER) mycobacterial fraction on the immunological responsiveness of BALB/c mice to the T-independent antigens pneumococcal polysaccharide type III (SIIII) and trinitrophenyl-lipopolysaccharide conjugate (TNP-LPS) was ascertained . Pretreatment with MER prevented the establishment of immunological paralysis by threshold doses (10 or 15 microgram) of SIII and by a paralyzing dose of 100 microgram TNP-LPS . The induction of immunological paralysis by SIII was unaffected by treatment with the bacterial adjuvant Corynebacterium parvum and with the B cell mitogens PPD, LPS (Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide), and dextran sulfate.

Probl Med Wieku Rozwoj, 1979, 8, 56 - 62
{Levamisole as an immunostimulating factor}; Smogorzewska E; Levamisole--(L)--1-2, 3, 5, 6--tetrahydro-6- phenylimidazo (2, 1-b)-- thiazol monohydrochloride, a simple chemical, first introduced as a broad spectrum antihelmintic , has been recently on the list of the nonspecific active immunostimulants together with BCG, Corynebacterium parvum, polyribonucleosides and transfer factor (TF) . This, however, is oversimplification and may cause some confusion because levamisole, in contrast to the so-called immunostimulants, does not stimulate immunity above the normal level in man or prevent the primary growth of most experimental tumors in immunologically normal animals . Levamisole acts as an antianergic chemotherapeutic agent as it restores cell-mediated immunity in immunodepressed patients and prolongs the remission period . It even increases the number of long-term survivors when used as an adjunct to cytoreductive therapy in several animal cancer models . Levamisole is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and from injection site and is very well distributed in all tissues . Levamisole increases phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear cells or macrophages when added to these cells or given to donor animals and humans . The effect was pronounced on hypofunctional cells from patients and it was weak or absent on cells from normal donors . Chemotactic responsiveness of polymorphonuclear cells and monocytes from patients with defective leucocyte motility could be enhanced by levamisole added in vitro or given in vivo . The leucocyte migration inhibition in response to antigenic stimulation could be restored when levamisole was administered to anergic patients or added to their cells in vitro.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cancer Biochem Biophys, 1979, 3(3), 143 - 50
Response of lympho-hemopoietic tissue to Corynebacterium parvum by study of DNA enzymes and H3-TdR metabolism; Maruyama Y et al.; The effects of Corynebacterium parvum on the lymphohemopoietic tissues of mice was investigated by H3-TdR metabolism, organ weights, DNA-polymerase-alpha activity and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) activity . Marked increase in spleen size occurred . The increase in size was accompanied by increases in DNA-P-alpha activity and H3TdR uptake . This indicated that the spleen was a major site of cell proliferation and of increase in population size after C . parvum stimulation . Thymus and bone marrow changes are also described . The thymus showed a marked decrease in size which was maximal in 10 days and showed recovery thereafter . Thymus TdT activity fell immediately and may reflect either a release or lysis of thymocytes which contain TdT activity . However, no change in TdT activity was measurable in the bone marrow or spleen . The principal cell population increase had phagocytic activity and was presumably monocytes-macrophages, and an increase in such cells was found in the spleen.

Acta Med Austriaca Suppl, 1979, 6, 325 - 6
{Initial experiences with a nation-wide Austrian study of adjuvant chemo- and immunotherapy of colorectal cancer following radical surgery}; Karrer K et al.; The outline of a cooperative study for adjuvant Chemo-Immunotherapy on radically operated Colon-Rectum-Carcinoma, is presented . One group of patients receiving Placebo, has to be randomized against another group who postoperatively received Chemo-Immunotherapy consisting of 5-Fluorouracil and CCNU and Corynebacterium parvum, which was administered intermittently, throughout one year . Patients with Rectum-Carcinoma additionally receive radio-therapy with 1500 rad HD before surgery and 4500--5000 rad HD postoperatively with Cobalt-60 . The central documentation, and randomization, is provided at the Institute for Cancer Research of the University of Vienna.

Trans Ophthalmol Soc U K, 1979, 99(4), 495 - 6
Low leucocyte ascorbic acid levels and corneal ulceration; Trope GE et al.; The leucocyte ascorbic acid levels were determined in six patients with infected corneal ulcers . These levels were significantly lower than in a control group matched for age and sex . The potential role of Corynebacteria as pathogens is discussed.

Med Pediatr Oncol, 1979, 6(2), 101 - 14
An evaluation of Corynebacterium parvum during remission maintenance therapy in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia; Lankford J et al.; The biologic impact and clinical toxicity of Corynebacterium parvum administered at a dose of 5 mg/M2 by intravenous or subcutaneous routes were evaluated in 18 children receiving combination chemotherapy for maintenance of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in remission . Several nonspecific immunologic and hematologic parameters were evaluated . Patients were also monitored for changes in cutaneous sensitivity to histamine . No changes in any parameter were observed in patients after only one course of C parvum injection . However, after 6-10 courses, glass-adherent peripheral blood leukocytes of C parvum-treated patients augmented the response of PHA-stimulated autologous lymphocytes . In all nine patients studied who received C parvum injection subcutaneously for at least six months, there were significant increases in the mean bone marrow myelocyte-erythrocyte (ME) volumes compared to pretreatment values . These results suggest that periodic evaluations are desirable in patients receiving repeated administration of C parvum, since changes in immunologic and hematologic responses may be demonstrable only after several injections . In contrast to the reported experience in adults, subcutaneous C parvum administration children was not well tolerated, whereas intravenous infusion was generally well tolerated.

J Natl Cancer Inst, 1979 Jan, 62(1), 117 - 21
Tumor growth inhibition and potentiation of immunotherapy by indomethacin in mice; Lynch NR et al.; Indomethacin was continuously administered in the drinking water of inbred C3H mice given grafts of syngeneic 3-methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcomas . A minor proportion of these animals died at the same time as the untreated controls, and others completely rejected their tumors; however, in most cases, the tumor growth rate was significantly slowed, and growth recommenced rapidly after drug withdrawal . This was the pattern for tumors either in their 10th to 14th transplant generation or only their third in vivo passage . Indomethacin exerted little prophylactic effect, in that it neither increased the minimal cell number required to initiate tumor growth nor significantly decreased the proportion of tumors established in drug-treated animals recieving tumor grafts . The injection of killed Corynebacterium parvum organisms into small, growing McC3-I tumors {intratumor (IT) route} caused the regression of most of these . In contrast, IT injection of BCG, ip injection of C . parvum, or IT injection of C . parvum into larger tumors had no effect . Oral administration of indomethacin enhanced BCG treatment and augmented the activity of C . parvum injected either systemically into animals with small tumors or IT into those with substantial tumor burdens . The duration of these effects was, however, often dependent on the continued administration of the drug.

Acta Med Austriaca, 1979, 6(5), 209 - 12
{Hematological observations in patients following immunostimulation through intrapleural application of Corynebacterium parvum}; Karrer K et al.; The Ludwig Lung Cancer Study Group aims to investigate the role of immunotherapy as adjuvant treatment modality in operable non-small cell bronchial carcinoma . The participants are 12 european clinics and institutes . With a proven accrual of 350 patients per year the group offers a sharp tool in clinical oncology with regards to bronchial carcinoma . The accrual phase of the first trial was closed on February 2, 1979 with 475 patients, starting a new protocol on February 5, 1979 . The ongoing randomized clinical trial aims to determine if intrapleural administration of corynebacterium parvum (c . p.) can increase the tumor recurrence-free interval or increase survival . Furthermore the study aims to identify high and low risk patient subgroups after biological and immunological investigations . The possibility of giving c . p . intrapleurally in humans was investigated in a phase-I-toxicity study . A dose of 7 mg has been adopted for the clinical trial since this dose combines a measureable systemic effect (increase of leucocyte and monocyte counts) with acceptable toxicity . The main morbidity was fever, flu-like symptoms and chest pain.

Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol, 1979, 59(4), 447 - 51
Studies on the interference between the allergic reactions caused by different antigen-antibody systems; Sindo T et al.; Interference between two different in vivo antigen-antibody reactions which occurred simultaneously was studied in guinea pigs . Animals were presensitized with an aqueous fraction (CP) extracted from cells of Corynebacterium equi, strain KO-85 . Skin reactions of the Arthus type elicited by the CP fraction inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) induced by bovine serum albumin (BSA) and rabbit anti-BSA serum . PCA reactions of the CP-sensitized animals were also inhibited upon simultaneous challenges of BSA and the CP as evidence by reduction of PCA titer of the anti-BSA serum.

Natl Inst Anim Health Q (Tokyo), 1979 Fall, 19(3), 77 - 82
Diagnosis of Corynebacterium pyogenes infection in pigs by immunodiffusion test with protease antigen; Takeuchi S et al.; A protease antigen was prepared from the culture supernatant of Corynebacterium pyogenes by concentrating with a flash evaporator and ultrafiltration . It was adjusted to the concentration of 32 units by the single radial immunodiffusion with a tentative standard serum . In the immunodiffusion test, the antigen of 4 units reacted enough with sera having an antibody titer ranging from 1 to 128 . As a result, it was decided that the antigen of 4 units should be used in the immunodiffusion test for the detection of protease antibody . By the immunodiffusion test, protease antibody was demonstrated in about 35% of 443 sera from pigs collected at random . The antibody titer showed the distribution of 2 peaks . The summits of the two peaks were seen at 4 and 32 of antibody titer, respectively . The valley between the two peaks was seen at 16 of titer . From the result, a diagnostic criterion of the immunodiffusion test was decided provisionally as follows: above 16 of antibody titer is positive, 1 to 8 suspect, and less than 1 negative . On the other hand, protease antibody was demonstrated in sera from 13 of 14 pigs carrying abscesses from which C . pyogenes had been isolated . Its titer was 8 (in 2 pigs), 16 (in 1), 32 (in 3), 64 (in 6), and 128 (in 1) . From these results, it was proposed that the immunodiffusion test with protease antigen be used for the diagnosis of C . pyogenes infection in pigs.

Rev Ig Bacteriol Virusol Parazitol Epidemiol Pneumoftiziol Bacteriol Virusol Parazitol Epidemiol, 1979 Jan-Mar, 24(1), 15 - 22
{Antibacterial immunity in diphtheria . Experimental research}; Dragoi T et al.; A number of 700 guinea pigs were immunized by parenteral route with non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains, then inoculated with various doses of homologous and heterologous toxigenic C . diphitheriae strains . The results showed that non-toxigenic C . diphtheriae strains confer a certain degree of protection when the challenge is done with homologous toxigenous strains, especially when not more than 500 million germs/ml are used for the challenge dose . This suggests that the carriage of non-toxigenic diphtheriae bacilli is a useful phenomenon for maintaining an immune balance in diphtheria in the present epidemiological context, and that their sterilization is not opportune.

Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol, 1979, 59(2), 162 - 72
Immunodiffusion studies of ribosomes in classification of mycobacteria and related taxa; Ridell M et al.; Ribosomal preparations consisting of crude ribosomes (CR), 30S subunits (30S) and 16S core particles (16S) from four strains of the species Mycobacterium bovis (BCG), Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium phlei and Mycobacterium smegmatis were analyzed by immunodiffusion technique for taxonomical purposes . The ribosomal preparations tested contained several interspecies cross-reacting precipitinogens . The number of precipitinogens demonstrated at the homologous reactions was generally larger than the number of precipitinogens shown at the heterologous reactions indicating a probable presence of species-specific antigens in ribosomes . The largest number of possible species-specific precipitinogens was demonstrated when crude ribosomal preparations were studied . However, such precipitinogens were also shown in the 30S subunits and they were individually analyzed . The 16S core particles were dominated by cross-reacting precipitinogens . The number of ribosomal precipitinogens shared by M . phlei and M . smegmatis was large indicating a close taxonomical relationship between these two species . Apart from the four mycobacterial strains studied, 15 other strains representing the genera Mycobacterium, Arthrobacterium, Corynebacterium, Kurthia, Nocardia and Rhodococcus were included in the study . The presence of intergenerically cross-reacting precipitinogens in the ribosomal preparations was demonstrated.

Scand J Immunol, 1979, 9(2), 115 - 24
Cross-reactions between mycobacteria . II . Crossed immunoelectrophoretic analysis of soluble antigens of BCG and comparison with other mycobacteria; Harboe M et al.; Cross-reactions between Mycobacterium bovis BCG and various other mycobacteria, Nocardia asteroides, Corynebacterium pyogenes and Listeria monocytogenes were studied by incorporating antibodies against these bacteria in the intermediate gel of a crossed immunoelectrophoretic system with BCG antigen and anti-BCG antibodies . In the BCG reference system forty-four distinct antigenic components were recorded, of which thiryt-three cross-reacted with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, twenty-five with M . avium, twenty-one with M . suvalii, eighteen with M . smegmatis, Fifteen with M . nonchromogenicum, twelve with M . phlei, eight with N . anteroides and two with C . pyogenes, whereas no cross-reaction was detected with L . monocytogenes . The value of the method for characterization of mycobacterial antigens is discussed . A taxonomic system based on this method appears particularly valuable for studies of non-cultivativable mycobacteria such as M . leprae . A majority of twenty-one patients with lepromatous leprosy had anti-BCG antibodies of restricted specificity, affecting only four or five BCG antigens, although one patient had twelve anti-BCG specificities . Most of these antibodies reacted with those BCG antigens that cross-react extensively with other mycobacteria.

Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1979 Jan-Feb, 15(1), 24 - 30
{The mechanism of adenine nucleotide biosynthesis from adenine in Corynebacterium species}; Pinuev IO et al.; The mechanism of ATP biosynthesis from adenine was studied on the cell-free extract of Corynebacterium species that produces ATP from exogenous adenine, using labeled substrates . As a source of the ribosyl component of the ATP molecule, phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP) and ribose-5-phosphate (P5P) were tested . The experiments with PRPP showed adenine phosphoribosyl transferase (EC 2.4.2.7) activity in the extract responsible for the AMP formation from PRPP and adenine . The minimal reaction mixture based on R5P was found to include only magnesium ions, in addition to R5P, adenine, and the extract . This mixture provided the synthesis of not only C14-AMP but also C14-ADP and C14-ATP from C14-adenine . Phosphorylation of C14-AMP to yield C14-ATP was related to the presence of R5P in the mixture . The synthesis of C14-ATP from C14-adenine also took place when R5W was substituted for glucose in the minima mixture.

Exp Cell Biol, 1979, 47(3), 190 - 201
Macrophage immunity to influenza virus: in vitro and in vivo studies; Bruinink A et al.; Using M-TUR, a macrophage-adapted avian influenza A virus (Hav1, Nav3), antiviral resistance of peritoneal macrophages obtained from specifically or nonspecifically immunized mice towards in vitro infection was assessed . M-TUR grew to high titers in macrophages from nonimmune mice thereby causing a marked cytopathic effect . In contrast, peritoneal macrophages from mice specifically immunized with TUR virus were not affected by infection with M-TUR in vitro . This antiviral immunity was specific: mice immunized with antigenetically unrelated influenza strains such as influenza A/Hong Kong/1/68 (H3, N2) or influenza B/Lee yielded susceptible macrophages . Specific macrophage immunity could be abrogated by trypsin treatment in vitro . Susceptible macrophages from nonimmune hosts became resistant following in vitro exposure to homologous anti-TUR sera . Peritoneal exudate cells from BCG-infected animals were less susceptible to in vitro challenge with M-TUR than control macrophages . In vivo treatment of mice with the unspecific immunostimulants BCG or Corynebacterium parvum did not protect the animals against lethal infection with a hepatotropic variant of TUR.

Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig A}, 1979, 245(3), 283 - 6
A simple method of detecting staphylococcal hemolysins; Skalka B et al.; A modification of the "one-plate method" for detection of staphylococcal hemolysins has been described . Bacterial strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae and Cornebacterium pseudotuberculosis were replaced by their prepurified hemolytically active exosubstances: beta-toxin, CAMP-factor, and, the exosubstance of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis called COREX . By means of the modification described, exact detection of hemolysins in possible with staphylococcal strains producing one type of hemolysin as well as with strains producing a combination of hemolysins.

J Med Primatol, 1979, 8(5), 289 - 97
The normal microbial flora of the baboon vagina; Skangalis M et al.; The microbial flora of the upper vagina and cervix was examined in 38 adult baboons at various stages of the menstrual cycle . The mean number of different species isolated from each baboon was 9.5, with species of Bacteroides, Corynebacterium and group D streptococci predominating . Lactobacilli and mycoplasmas were found in 47.4 and 44.7% of the animals, respectively . No ureaplasms were isolated . Cyclical variations in the microbial flora were minimal.

Natl Cancer Inst Monogr . 1978 Dec;(49):333.
A bladder tumor model response to immunotherapy; deKernion JB et al.; The author presented results of BCG and Corynebacterium parvum treatment of the transplantable mouse FANFT bladder tumor carried in the host's leg . A comparison was made of the results of treatment with BCG alone and C . parvum alone or either used in conjunction with Cytoxan upon effectiveness in increasing animal survival and retarding tumor growth.

J Parasitol, 1978 Dec, 64(6), 986 - 93
Studies on putative adult worm-derived vaccines and adjuvants for protection against Schistosoma mansoni infection in mice; Maddison SE et al.; Intraperitoneal transfer of viable adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni did not confer protection against a challenge infection to recipient mice . Antigens of schistosome origin were evaluated for their ability, with and without concomitantly administered nonspecific adjuvants, to stimulate protective immunity against S . mansoni . Freshly perfused ground worms or a putative membrane antigen extracted with 0.5 M KC1 from adult worms, when injected together with Corynebacterium parvum (or in a single experiment with poly {A : U}), resulted in a significant reduction in worm burden of a challenge infection with S . mansoni as compared with that of untreated controls . The membrane antigen was maintained carefully at low temperatures in buffers capable of retarding enzymatic degradation while it was being prepared.

Cancer Res, 1978 Dec, 38(12), 4522 - 6
Destruction of regional lymph node metastases of rat mammary adenocarcinoma 13762A by treatment with Corynebacterium parvum; Kreider JW et al.; Intratumoral administration of Corynebacterium parvum to 13762A tumor-bearing rats on Day 7 of tumor growth, followed by primary tumor excision on Day 20, regularly cured about 40% of the animals and significantly prolonged survival in the remainder . Rats treated by surgery alone on either Day 7 or Day 20 died with metastases to axillary lymph nodes and lungs . Tumor was established in axillary lymph nodes by Day 7 . Therefore, intratumoral injection of C . parvum on Day 7 destroyed metastases already established at this site . Growth of tumor in axillary nodes of rats treated but not cured by C . parvum was significantly slower than growth in untreated rats.

Infect Immun, 1978 Dec, 22(3), 798 - 803
Host defenses in murine malaria: induction of a protracted state of immunity with a formalin-killed Plasmodium berghei blood parasite vaccine; Murphy JR et al.; Random-bred mice were immunized with a nonliving antigen prepared from mixed-blood forms of Plasmodium berghei, strain NYU-2, in combination with Corynebacterium parvum and/or living BCG . A high proportion of intravenously immunized mice survived virulent challenge, but subcutaneous vaccination was less effective . Vaccinated mice developed a patent infection after challenge similar to that observed in normal controls . However, between days 12 to 20 postchallenge, infections in some vaccinated mice became subpatent, whereas infections in all normal controls progressed until death . The incidence of recrudescent infection was low and, eventually, a state of sterile immunity was established . The capacity of vaccinated mice to withstand P . berghei challenge was sustained at a fairly stable level for the 6-month period of observation . Mice that had survived a primary infection with P . berghei almost completely suppressed a second and larger challenge with the same organism.

Br J Cancer, 1978 Dec, 38(6), 703 - 8
Effects of Corynebacterium parvum on murine myeloid leukaemia; Bjornsson S et al.; The effects of C . parvum on RFM/UN myeloid leukaemia were studied . Mice inoculated with 7.0 mg but not 0.7 mg C . parvum i.p . survived significantly longer than untreated leukaemic mice (P less than 0.001) . Administration of silica abrogated the effects of C . parvum, whilst polyvinyl pyridine-N-oxide prevented the inhibitory effects of silica . These studies demonstrate that a single large dose of C . parvum, either before or after leukaemic-cell passage, can significantly prolong the survival of RFM mice bearing myeloid leukaemia . The effects of silica and PVNO on C . parvum suggest a critical role for macrophages in C . parvum effects on myeloid leukaemia.

Infect Immun, 1978 Dec, 22(3), 778 - 85
Characterization of mouse peritoneal exudate and associated leukocyte adherence inhibitory activity after intraperitoneal injection of either Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium parvum vaccines; Klein TW et al.; Bordetella pertussis and Corynebacterium parvum are commonly used immunopotentiating agents . To explore the inflammatory environment induced by these agents, the peritoneal exudate response in mice following intraperitoneal injection of B . pertussis (PV) and C . parvum (CV) vaccines was investigated . The PV-induced exudate isolated by lavage was characterized by an early neutrophil influx followed by enhanced accumulation of mononuclear cells and fluid protein . The CV exudate was principally mononuclear in nature and displayed fewer numbers of cells and less fluid protein . Both vaccines also enhanced the leukocyte adherence inhibitory activity (LAIA) of peritoneal fluid as measured in vitro . The development of exudate LAIA was T lymphocyte independent . A similar LAIA was demonstrated in nonimmune mouse plasma and serum . Exudate fluid and serum LAIA were heat stable and trypsin sensitive . These studies suggest that significant differences exist in the composition of the local tissue environment following PV and CV injection and that exudate LAIA is serum derived . Further studies in this direction should result in a better understanding of the ways in which inflammatory cells and fluid substances affect lymphocyte-macrophage interaction subsequent to adjuvant administration.

J Bacteriol, 1978 Dec, 136(3), 1135 - 42
Isolation and characterization of extragenic suppressor strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae; Bacha P et al.; The isolation and characterization of two different nonsense suppressor strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae C7 sup+(-)tox- are described . Appropriate lysogens of these strains with corynephage beta, carrying known class II tox premature polypeptide chain termination mutations {C7sup-1(betatox-30) and C7sup-2(betatox-45)}, each produce a 62,000-dalton polypeptide with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide: elongation factor-2 adenosine diphosphate ribosyltransferase activity in addition to a chain-terminated polypeptide of 30,000 or 45,000 daltons, respectively . In addition, purified protein of 62,000 daltons, resulting from the suppression of the nonsense mutations tox-30 and tox-45, will react with antisera purified against the terminal 17,000 daltons of the toxin molecule and are immunologically identical to toxin by radial immunodiffusion . The suppression pattern of lysogenic derivatives of C7sup-1(-)tox- and C7sup-2(-)tox- with other class II and III mutants of corynephage beta was determined.

Biomed Mass Spectrom, 1978 Dec, 5(12), 699 - 703
Structural determination of 'cord factor' from a Corynebacterium diphtheriae strain by a combination of mass spectral ionization methods: field desorption cesium cationization and electron impact mass spectrometry studies; Puzo G et al.; The composition and structure of a preparation of 'cord factor' (di-beta-hydroxy acyl trehaloses) from Corynebacterium diphtheriae have been determined by a combination mass spectral ionization methods . The methods were tested by means of synthetic 6,6'-dicorynomycolate of alpha-D-trehalose prior to their use on natural products . The determination of the molecular weight of the components and the estimation of their relative abundance in the natural mixture were made by field desorption mass spectrometry and cationization by means of cesium iodide . At least 22 molecular species differing from the chain length and the unsaturation degree were detected (carbon numbers C76 to C66) . The position of acylation and the nature of the acyl chains were obtained from the electron impact mass spectra of the trimethylsilyl derivatives . The trehalose molecular was found to be esterified by a complex mixture of corynomycolic acids (3-hydroxy 2-alkyl fatty acids) which were present as saturated, mono-unsaturated and di-unsaturated homologues (carbon numbers C32 to C24) . The 6 and 6' sites of acylation were the only detectable ones.

J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Dec, 8(6), 767 - 8
Three variants of Corynebacterium diphtheriae subsp . mitis (Belfanti) isolated from a throat specimen; Chang DN et al.; Three variants of a Corynebacterium diphtheriae subsp . mitis strain belfanti, two toxigenic (phage types 7 and 11) and one nontoxigenic (phage type 7), were simultaneously isolated from the throat of an adult.

Infect Immun, 1978 Nov, 22(2), 540 - 7
Immunological relatedness of ribosomes from mycobacteria, nocardiae and corynebacteria, and microorganisms in leprosy lesions; Laub R et al.; Serological relatedness of ribosomes from microorganisms of the Mycobacterium, Nocardia, and Corynebacterium genera has been analyzed by the microplate immunodiffusion technique . Mycobacterium and Nocardia proved homogeneous and closely related taxa, whereas Corynebacterium was found to be a heterogeneous phylum connected by remote links to the others . The taxonomic position of "diphtheroid microorganisms" (non-acid-fast, gram-positive bacteria morphologically similar to corynebactria), which were found together with Mycobacterium leprae in human leprosy lesions, was also investigated . Ribosomes of diphtheroid bacteria strongly cross-reacted with antisera against several mycobacteria and nocardiae but not against corynebacteria . Moreover, ribosomes from independently isolated diphtheroid strains proved serologically related and yielded strong cross-reactions with antisera against M . leprae as well as with sera from leprosy patients . Hence, diphtheroid microorganisms represent a homogeneous group immunologically related to mycobacteria in general and more specifically to M . leprae.

Cancer Treat Rep, 1978 Nov, 62(11), 1919 - 30
Comparative effects of Corynebacterium parvum, Brucella abortus extract, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, glucan, levamisole, and tilorone with or without cyclophosphamide on tumor growth, macrophage production, and macrophage cytotoxicity in a murine mammary tumor model; Fisher B et al.; In this laboratory, it has been repeatedly demonstrated (using a murine mammary tumor model) that the combination of cyclophosphamide (CY) and Corynebacterium parvum (CP) is more effective than either agent alone in the control of tumor growth . This paper presents information obtained in our model comparing findings on the effects of CP with a Brucella abortus extract (Bru-Pel; BP) and glucan (GL) on tumor growth . In addition, the influence of those agents as well as bacillus Calmette-Guerin, tilorone, and levamisole on bone marrow macrophage colony production and cytotoxicity is presented . None of the nonspecific stimulating agents (NSSAs) inhibited tumor growth when administered systemically without CY, confirming our previous contention that such immunotherapy alone is likely to be an ineffectual form of treatment . Whereas tumor regression was observed following intratumor CP, neither GL nor BP had such an effect . When used with CY, neither BP nor GL administered ip or intratumorally inhibited tumor growth as effectively as did CP and CY . Inhibition of the growth of a distant tumor as well as the treated tumor occurred following intratumor CP and CY but not following intratumor BP and CY . All of the microbial NSSAs increased macrophage colony production to varying degrees in both normal and tumor-bearing mice . In the latter mice, CP had the most prolonged effect . Levamisole and tilorone failed to increase colony production in normal mice while in tumor-bearing mice the effect was inversely proportional to the amount of agent administered . To some extent, the stimulation of colony production by the NSSAs paralled the degree of tumor inhibition observed when those agents were combined with CY . The cytotoxicity of cultured macrophages could not be related to tumor growth inhibition.

Cancer Treat Rep, 1978 Nov, 62(11), 1873 - 80
Effect of glucan and other adjuvants on the clearance of radiolabeled tumor cells from mouse lungs; Proctor JW et al.; The iv injection of two forms of glucan (DiLuzio and Yamamura), Corynebacterium parvum, or bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) caused a significant increase in the rate and extent of clearance of subsequently injected radiolabeled T1699 carcinoma cells from the lungs of syngeneic DBA2 mice . Dose-response curves were obtained for each agent, the relative rates of clearance of radiolabeled cells were established, and preliminary sequential comparative studies were undertaken . The optimum dose for C . parvum appeared to be lower than for DiLuzio glucan which appeared to be lower than for Yamamura glucan or BCG . The results indicated that at optimum doses one form of glucan (DiLuzio) was as effective as C . parvum and more effective than BCG or a second form of glucan (Yamamura), with respect to the time for the genesis, the magnitude, and the length of time of the response . Very preliminary experiments with a highly malignant and poorly immunogenic cell line of B16 melanoma in syngeneic C57BL/6J mice demonstrated a correlation between an increased level of clearance of radiolabeled cells and a reduced number of subsequent macroscopic lung tumor nodules.

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1978 Nov 1, 132(5), 555 - 60
Toxicity manifestations following intravenous Corynebacterium parvum administration to patients with ovarian and cervical carcinoma; Gall SA et al.; Manifestations of clinical toxicity were evaluated following 341 courses of intravenous Corynebacterium parvum adjuvant immunotherapy in patients with ovarian and cervical carcinoma . Most patients exhibited symptoms of minor toxicity, which decreased in intensity as subsequent courses of therapy were administered . Temperature elevations to 38.5 degrees C . were the most objectively measured signs of toxicity but temperature elevations greater than 38.5 degrees C . occurred following only 20.5 per cent of the infusions . Blood pressure alterations were not a serious problem and no serious central nervous system or renal toxicity was noted . The minor side effects should not preclude the use of C . parvum as an immunopotentiating agent if it is shown to be beneficial in the treatment of human malignant disease.

Pathol Biol (Paris), 1978 Nov, 26(8), 495 - 502
{Variations in the phagocytic potency of circulating leukocytes from rats which received a thermal injury . Effects of an immunostimulation with Corynebacterium granulosum (author's transl)}; Jacques L et al.; Experiments were carried out to study in vitro the variations of phagocytic activity of circulating leukocytes from rats which received a thermal injury and were either immunostimulated or not by a single iv injection of C . granulosum . The thermal injury which was applied at about 10 percent of the body surface was of an intermediary type ; it developed towards necrosis before cicatrising on about the 30th day . Phagocytic activity was expressed as the percentage of "active" phagocytes or of those cells which phagocytosed Sta . aureus and S . typhi murium . In not immunostimulated rats, the phagocytic activity was profoundly depressed as a result of the thermal injury ; this was most marked at about 8 days after the thermal injury (close to 38% compared with 80% in control-not-burned-rats) . The phagocytic potency or circulating leukocytes from burned and immunostimulated rats corresponded at about the 8th day to that of healthy rats . The reported variations are statistically significant, as assessed by the Student "t" and X2 tests . Our study showed that those rats which were burned in our experimental conditions responded favourably to the immunostimulation . It would be interesting to check whether the use of anaerobic corynebacteria in man could represent an adjunct treatment of those septic complications which are so frequent in severe burns.

J Gen Microbiol, 1978 Nov, 109(1), 127 - 30
The capsules of Corynebacterium equi and Streptococcus equi; Woolcock JB et al.; The capsules of Corynebacterium equi and Streptococcus equi were examined by electron microscopy after staining with ruthenium red . They were compared with the capsule of Klebsiella pneumoniae which had previously been examined using the same procedure (Springer & Roth, 1973) . The capsule of C . equi had a laminated appearance . When S . equi was grown on solid medium, its capsule appeared as radially arranged projections capped by a thick electron dense layer . When grown in liquid medium, S . equi produced a capsule which showed as short thick projections with no layer external to them.

Cancer Treat Rep, 1978 Nov, 62(11), 1709 - 14
Preliminary report of the use of levamisole in the treatment of bladder cancer; Smith RB et al.; Sixty-two patients with transitional cell carcinoma have been admitted to a double-blind randomized control study with levamisole as an immune adjuvant, in addition to standard therapy for noninvasive and invasive bladder cancer . Levamisole has been shown to be easily administered and is well-tolerated, especially when compared to other immune adjuvants such as bacillus Calmette-Guerin or Corynebacterium parvum . To date, there is no significant difference in the disease-free interval in the levamisole-treated group compared to the placebo group . Initial dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) reactivity may be an important prognostic indicator with regard to tumor recurrence . Tumor recurrence seems to be rare in those patients who are initially DNCB-positive . Total monocyte count, T lymphocyte, FC receptor cells, and PHA response showed no improvement with levamisole therapy . Monocyte chemotaxis remains the only immune function study to improve with levamisole, but the clinical significance of this test is yet to be explained.

Immunology, 1978 Nov, 35(5), 685 - 93
Immunomodulation by Corynebacterium parvum . 1 . Variable effects on anti-sheep erythrocyte antibody responses; Ghaffar A et al.; Corynebacterium parvum injected i.p . 1--16 days prior to i.p . antigen inoculation virtually abolished both IgM and IgG primary responses to 1 X 10(8) SRBC . The suppression was significantly marked at antigen doses ranging from 1 X 10(6)--1 X 10(9) SRBC but not at 5 X 10(9) SRBC . As little as 56 microgram C . parvum caused a marked suppression of the response to 1 X 10(8) SRBC . In secondary responses C . parvum given either one day before priming with 1 X 10(8) SRBC or one day before secondary challenge caused a dramatic suppression of both IgM and IgG PFC responses . In contrast with i.p . injected C . parvum, i.v . injection of the vaccine enhanced immune responses to i.p . or i.v . injected SRBC . Similarly C . parvum injected i.p . prior to i.v . immunization resulted in an augmented anti-SRBC response . An enhancement of anti-SRBC response was also noted when C . parvum was injected i.p . on the day of i.p . immunization . The suppressed responses in C . parvum injected animals could be explained partly by the reduced splenic localization of the antigen.

Res Vet Sci, 1978 Nov, 25(3), 373 - 5
Non-specific agglutination of Corynebacterium ovis by precolostral and young lamb sera; Burrell DH; An agglutination reaction, relatively coarse compared to that obtained with immune sera, was observed when Corynebacterium ovis cells were incubated with lamb sera collected before and after ingesting colostrum . The reaction did not appear to involve immunoglobulin since it was not affected by treatment of precolostral lamb serum with rivanol, mercaptoethanol or rabbit antisheep serum . IgM was detected in only three of 10 precolostral samples with agglutinating activity and immunofluorescence studies showed that it was not specific for C ovis . In view of the non-specific clumping factor, tests which detect antitoxin would be preferable for immune surveys in young lambs.

J Med Microbiol, 1978 Nov, 11(4), 379 - 86
Quantitative studies on competitive activities of skin bacteria growing on solid media; Milyani RM et al.; Earlier quantitative investigations of antagonism between skin bacteria were based on the use of liquid cultures, but a more realistic model has now been devised, based on the use of the surfaces of solid media . Pure or mixed inocula were spread evenly over suitable agar media in Petri dishes marked out with a standard grid . Growth curves were constructed from viable counts of the surface bacteria after they had been removed from excised squares of the agar media and dispersed . The method was highly reproducible, and competitive interactions were revealed more clearly than in studies with liquid media . An antibiotic-producing strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis (S6+) readily suppressed strains of Micrococcus, Corynebacterium and Streptococcus species . However, a Staphylococcus aureus strain which was less sensitive to the antibiotic effect of S6+ interacted in a complex manner, depending on the absolute and relative size of the S6+ inoculum.

Aust Vet J, 1978 Oct, 54(10), 473 - 8
Testicular pathology of Merino rams; Watt DA; The scrotal contents of 2,281 Merino rams of wide age range examined at 3 abattoirs in Perth, Western Australia, showed a 40% prevalence of rams with 1 or more gross lesions . The percentage prevalence of gross lesions found on autopsy were: adhesions 21, testicular atrophy/hypoplasia 14, testicular calcification 13, congenital cyst of the epididymis 6, cryptorchidism 4, chronic epididymitis/scrotal abscesses 2, varicocoele 2, testicular aplasia less than 1, seminoma less than 1 . The prevalence of lesions increased with age of rams . Testicular atrophy was often present when varicocoele, chronic epididymitis and scrotal abscess affected that side of the scrotal sac . Corynebacterium spp was the most frequent isolate from chronic epididymitis . Actinobacillus seminis was isolated once and Brucella ovis was not isolated . About 20% of the rams showed lesions compatible with a diagnosis of reproductive unsoundness . A large proportion of lesions were revealed only after removal of the scrotum and most of these did not appear to affect normal spermatogenesis except for an estimated 9% of rams, which showed mild atrophy/hypoplasia . Samples of these testes showed mild to moderate changes in spermatogenesis on histopathology . It was postulated that the latter group of rams might represent those ill-defined clinical cases which show equivocal results on appraisal of semen samples despite the presence of palpably normal testes.

Cancer, 1978 Oct, 42(4), 1912 - 5
A preliminary study of intralesional, intralymph node, intravenous and intraperitoneal Corynebacterium parvum treatments in patients with advanced cancer; Cheng VS et al.; Twenty-one patients with squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity and/or cervical lymph node and four patients with soft tissue sarcomas were given intralesional (2-4 mg/m2) and intralymph node (2-4 mg/m2) C . parvum injections followed by 5 intravenous (2-4 mg/m2) C . parvum treatments and conventional therapies . Seven patients with Stage III ovarian carcinomas were given intraperitoneal (2-4 mg/m2) C . parvum injections followed by conventional therapies . The local and systemic effects of the C . parvum treatments were described and the anti-tumor effects were evaluated in this series of patients.

J Infect Dis, 1978 Oct, 138(4), 445 - 54
Diagnosis and etiology of nongonococcal urethritis; Swartz SL et al.; The observation of more than four polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) per high-power field (hpf) in gram-stained smears of urethral secretions was found to differentiate patients with urethritis from patients without urethritis . A urethral discharge was present in 78% of patients with nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) . Dysuria without demonstrable urethral discharge and with fewer than four PMN/hpf did not appear to fit into the NGU spectrum . NGU is now defined to include men who have negative urethral cultures for Neisseria gonorrhoeae with a urethral discharge and/or more than four PMN/hpf in their urethral smears . The findings of more than four PMN/hpf in the urethral smears of 22%of asymptomatic sexually active men with more than one sexual partner (polygamous controls) suggests that asymptomatic NGU is not uncommon . Chlamydia trachomatis was isolated significantly more frequently from the NGU study group than from the control group (P less than 0.001) . This study adds Corynebacterium vaginale (Haemophilus vaginalis), group B streptococci, and yeasts to the list of sexually transmitted microorganisms that are not etiologic determinants of NGU.

J Gen Virol, 1978 Oct, 41(1), 97 - 104
Protection of mice against viral infection by Corynebacterium parvum and Bordetella pertussis; Kirchner H et al.; Mice could be significantly protected against infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV) by i.p . or i.v . injection of killed Corynebacterium parvum 7 days before infection . This protection was seen in inbred strains of mice with a different degree of sensitivity to HSV and after both i.p . and i.v . infection . Resistant mice immunosuppressed by X-irradiation and showing an increased susceptibility to HSV could also be protected by a previous injection of C . parvum . Elevated levels of interferon were demonstrated in the serum of mice injected with C . parvum 5 to 12 days previously . Four different strains of anaerobic coryneforms were compared and only those which were able to induce a systemic activation of the lymphoreticular system (as reflected by splenomegaly) protected against HSV infection . Protection against HSV-infection could also be demonstrated by using killed Bordetella pertussis . C . parvum also protected against Semliki Forest virus infection in two different strains of mice.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1978 Oct, (10), 89 - 92
{Heteromorphism of corynebacteria . I . Macrocells}; Vysotskii VV; A possibility of formation of macrocells (MaC) of diphtheria bacilli was expressed to a different degree; the extreme expression are giant and supergiant forms . Giant forms with section dimension of 3--5micron retained their capacity to disorderly septation with the resultant formation of microcells (MiC) . Apparently some of the septa were not realized . Supergiant forms were revealed as a layer and its transverse section . The length of the latter reached 30micron with the transverse section of 2--3micron . The layer has festooned contours with shallow invaginations, but marked day-like cuttings into the body (in case of transverse layer section) . Septation of supergiant form was abortive in character . Both forms had homogeneous cytoplasm surrounded by a cell wall . In the supergiant form the latter was morphologically defective in the deepest part of the invaginates . The ultrastructure of both bacterial forms pointed to their rapid growth; however, the supergiant form was likely to be doomed to degeneration and chaotic disintegration.

Chem Phys Lipids, 1978 Oct, 22(3), 185 - 95
Isolation, structural studies and chemical synthesis of a 'palmitone lipid' from Corynebacterium diphtheriae; Ahibo-Coffy A et al.; The isolation of a 'palmitone lipid' from Corynebacterium diphtheriae is described . The use of a temporary hydrophobic protecting group allows the obtaining of the lipid in free and pure form . Structural studies by chemical degradation and mass spectrometry allow one to propose structure Ic for this compound, namely 6-(2-tetradecyl 3-keto octadecanoyl)-alpha-D-trehalose . This structure was confirmed by chemical synthesis.

J Virol, 1978 Oct, 28(1), 28 - 33
Control of corynebacteriophage reproduction by heteroimmune repression; Groman N et al.; Corynebacteriophages beta and gamma are closely related but heteroimmune; hence, gamma reproduces in C7(beta) . A series of gamma mutants, designated gamma-bin (beta-inhibited), has been isolated . They reproduce in only 2 to 14% of infected C7(beta) cells, and, as a result, plaque with an efficiency of 10(-4) to 10(-5) on this strain . The proportion of C7(beta) cells in which gamma-bin phage can replicate is increased to 30 to 80% when immunity is lifted by UV induction of C7(beta) or by heat induction of C7(beta-tsr3) . The gamma-bin mutants carry out a normal vegetative or lysogenic cycle in strain C7 and thus do not appear to be defective in any essential phage function . Infection of C7(beta) by gamma-bin results in cell killing whether the infection is productive or nonproductive . The data support the hypothesis that inhibition of gamma-bin is due to the direct or indirect action of a beta prophage gene . The simplest hypothesis is that gamma-bin phages have sustained mutations in an operator site and that beta repressor now combines with the mutated operator to inhibit normal replication in a significant proportion of infected cells.

Lancet, 1978 Sep 16, 2(8090), 610 - 1
Role of mononuclear infiltrating cells in pathogenesis of hepatitis; Ferluga J et al.; Mice that have been injected with Corynebacterium parvum have mononuclear-cell infiltrates in the liver lobules . In such mice a small dose of lipopolysaccharide endotoxin produced a lethal hepatitis, with high serum-transaminase concentrations, glycogen depletion, and hypoglycaemia . It is suggested that lipopolysaccharide triggers the release from the infiltrating mononuclear cells of factors toxic for hepatocytes . Similarly certain parasitic and virus infections and graft-versus-host reactions can sensitise mice to the induction of hepatitis by exposure to small doses of lipopolysaccharide . This model may be applicable to human hepatitis.

C R Acad Sci Hebd Seances Acad Sci D, 1978 Sep 11, 287(4), 317 - 20
{Action of Corynebacterium parvum on the activity of glycosidases and proteases of peritoneal macrophages in the mice}; Scharfman A et al.; Glycosidase and peptidase of non-treated Mouse peritoneal macrophages were characterized . The enzymatic activities of Corynebacterium parvum stimulated Mouse macrophages were compared to those of macrophages obtained from non-treated animals . All the enzymatic activities, but beta-C-galactosidase, were higher in stimulated Mouse macrophages.

Clin Nucl Med, 1978 Sep, 3(9), 370 - 1
Positive 67Ga-citrate scans in patients receiving Corynebacterium parvum; Leonard JC et al.; Gallium-67 citrate imaging for the staging of lymphomas was performed in three patients receiving Corynebacterium parvum (C . parvum) immunotherapy . Unexpected uptake at the site of C . parvum injections was identified and although the mechanism of localization is not determined by this study, similarities between C . parvum's known actions and the postulated mechanism of 67Ga-citrate localization are compared.

Arch Environ Health, 1978 Sep-Oct, 33(5), 250 - 9
Exposure to dust-borne bacteria in agriculture . I . Environmental studies; Dutkiewicz J; In order to evaluate the exposure of agricultural workers to dust-borne bacteria, microbiological examinations of the air were performed in grain storing and processing plants and in animal houses . Large concentrations of viable microorganisms, ranging from 129.2 to 1289.9 thousands/m3 of air, were found in the rooms contaminated with grain dust and much lower in those contaminated with flour dust (22.6 thousands/m3) . Bacteria predominated in the air of grain plants, whereas actinomycetes and fungi were less numerous . The most abundant bacteria were Gram negative rods of the species Erwinia herbicola . Large concentrations of air-borne microorganisms were also found in different animal farms, reaching 225.5 to 595.4 thousands/m3 in hatcheries and 7751.5 thousands/m3 in a broiler house . Staphylococci were most frequently isolated and other common organisms were Corynebacteria and Streptococci . It was concluded that high exposure to dust-borne bacteria creates a hazard to agricultural workers.

Cancer Res, 1978 Sep, 38(9), 2666 - 72
Effect of Corynebacterium parvum on the proliferative rate of granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells and the toxicity of chemotherapy; Foster RS Jr; We have studied the interaction of Corynebacterium parvum and a variety of cell cycle-specific and cell cycle-nonspecific chemotherapeutic agents on granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells {colony-forming units culture (CFU-c)} in C57BL/6 mice . In vitro tritiated thymidine suicide studies showed an increased rate of proliferation of bone marrow CFU-c 24 hr after C . parvum injection . In vivo toxicity of cell cycle-specific agents but not of cell cycle-nonspecific agents for bone marrow CFU-c was increased 24 hr after C . parvum injections . The increased numbers of CFU-c in the spleen, induced by C . parvum, were also sensitive to a cell cycle-specific agent for up to 7 days after C . parvum injection . The findings suggest differences in the kinetics of proliferation of splenic compared to bone marrow CFU-c . The relative time of administration of chemotherapy and immunostimulants such as C . parvum will have to be carefully considered in the design of clinical trials.

Invest Urol, 1978 Sep, 16(2), 134 - 9
The effect of intramural injection of immunotherapeutic agents on bladder histology and systemic humoral response; Albert NE et al.; Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), Corynebacterium parvum, and various mycobacterium fragments were injected intramurally into mouse bladders and the resulting systemic humoral stimulation and local histologic reactions were evaluated . C . parvum and methanol extracted residue of BCG elicited significant immunostimulation without producing irreversible bladder damage . The severe histologic disruption caused by BCG could be reduced by the antituberculus drug isoniazed without abrogating the humoral stimulation . Intramural bladder injection of BCG produced greater humoral stimulation than subcutaneous administration.

Infect Immun, 1978 Sep, 21(3), 886 - 95
Peritoneal macrophage activation indicated by enhanced chemiluminescence; Schleupner CJ et al.; A number of studies have demonstrated the ability of various bacterial preparations, protozoa, and chemicals to activate macrophages and concomitantly to enhance host resistance to both tumors and infections . Recently, viral infections have been shown to have a similar effect upon macrophage function . To better define the metabolic state of activated macrophages, we have evaluated the ability of peritoneal cells (PC) from vaccinia virus- or murine cytomegalovirus-infected or Corynebacterium parvum-treated mice to emit chemiluminescence (CL) during phagocytosis of zymosan particles or yeasts . PC from C . parvum-treated mice (1,400 microgram intraperitoneally) emitted enhanced CL over controls on days 3, 6, 14, and 21 after treatment, thereby establishing the emission of CL as a correlate of metabolic activation . Previous evidence for activation of PC from vaccinia virus-infected mice (10(8) plaque-forming units) was confirmed by demonstration of enhanced levels of CL on days 3, 6, and 13 after murine infection . Likewise, PC from mice infected with murine cytomegalovirus (10(5) plaque-forming units) 3, 6, or 13 days previously demonstrated augmented levels of CL over controls . Opsonized virus particles (vaccinia virus or murine cytomegalovirus) failed to induce the emission of CL with PC from mice infected with the isologous virus . Our data further demonstrate the immunomodulationinduced by virus infections and suggest that the detection of CL is an easily quantitated correlate of macrophage activation which may be helpful in defining metabolic alterations induced during activation.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1978 Aug 25, 530(2), 236 - 46
Effect on sphingomyelin-containing liposomes of phospholipase D from Corynebacterium ovis and the cytolysin from Stoichactis helianthus; Linder R et al.; The toxic, sphingomyelin-specific phospholipase D (phosphatidylcholine phosphatidohydrolase EC 3.1.4.4) from Corynebacterium ovis was purified to near homogeneity . It has a molecular weight of 31 000 and a pI of approx . 9.8 . Although not cytolytic itself, it protected red cells from hemolysis by staphylococcal sphingomyelinase (beta-hemolysin) and helianthus toxin . The apparently non-enzymatic cytolysin (helianthus toxin) from the sea anemone Stoichactis helianthus also interacts with membrane sphingomyelin . C . ovis and helianthus toxins were compared with regard to their effects on liposome model membranes, and they were found both to produce changes analogous to those in erythrocytes . Only helianthus toxin caused release of trapped glucose marker, but liposomes could be protected from release by pretreatment with C . ovis toxin . Both toxins demonstrated binding to sphingomyelin-containing liposomes, but only the bacterial sphingomyelinase catalyzed the release of choline from these vesicles.

Infect Immun, 1978 Aug, 21(2), 540 - 5
Influence of iron on Corynebacterium renale-induced pyelonephritis in a rat experimental model; Henderson LC et al.; Growth of Corynebacterium renale in vitro on low-iron medium (1.34 micron) was only slightly less than that on high-iron media (7.16 and 9.85 micron) . However, studies on C . renale-induced pyelonephritis using the rat as an experimental model revealed that C . renale cultivated in high-iron media was capable of producing pyelonephritis, but when grown on low-iron medium, these bacteria were noninfective . This apparent avirulence of the bacteria cultivated on low levels of iron could be reversed by injecting the rats intramuscularly with ferric ammonium citrate.

J Med Microbiol, 1978 Aug, 11(3), 335 - 49
The isolation and characters of L-forms and reversions of Bacillus licheniformis var . Endoparasiticus (Benedek) associated with the erythrocytes of clinically normal persons; Bisset KA et al.; Thirty-eight strains of the Gram-positive bacterium identified as Bacillus licheniformis var . endoparasiticus (Benedek), referred to as BLE, were isolated in various stages of reversion form the L-forms, from 28 out of 100 samples of whole blood or erythrocytes from normal healthy subjects, after prolonged incubation . Similar results were obtained from 100 samples from hospital patients with conditions not usually associated with blood infection . BLE was isolated from only one of 125 samples of plasma, including those separated from infected erythrocytes . Isolates from cultures incubated for up to 4 months were usually in the form of spheroplasts or diphtheroid bacilli; the fully reverted phase, resembling B . licheniformis, with the capacity to form endospores, was isolated occasionally from cultures aged 1--6 months, and it constituted about half the isolates recovered from cultures aged 6--25 months . BLE was isolated in subculture, and with the usual frequency, in previously unopened, primary cultures . It did not occur in 1200 subcultures of 150 control cultures made with autoclaved or irradiated blood cells; it was not detected in the environment of the laboratory or blood-sampling areas, or on the skin or in the respiratory passages of the operators and other persons associated with the laboratory, where typical, saprophytic B . licheniformis was very rare . It is concluded that this Bacillus species exists as an L-form, associated with the erythrocytes of a large proportion of normal persons, as previously recorded by several observers . Some of the morphological variants associated with the L-cycles have in the past been described as different organisms, for example L-forms of various bacteria or mycoplasmas, and the diphtheroid stage has been thought to belong to the genera Corynebacterium and Listeria . The sporogenous stage, although frequently described, has normally been discounted as a contaminant . These observations do not admit of any conclusion in respect of the claims that such bacteria may have a role in arthritis, cancer or other diseases.

Eur J Immunol, 1978 Aug, 8(8), 582 - 9
Immune interferon . II . Different cellular site for the production of murine macrophage migration inhibitory factor and interferon; Neumann C et al.; The production of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and immune interferon (IF) by concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated cultures of thymus, lymph node and spleen cells was investigated . It was found that all cultures produced MIF activity, whereas only spleen cells produced marked IF activity . The capacity to produce IF was found to be correlated with the macrophage content of a cell preparation as evidenced by staining for esterase-positive cells . Furthermore, column-purified spleen T cells produced MIF but no IF . Migration inhibition caused by residual mitogen could be ruled out . On the other hand, when macrophages grown from bone marrow cells were pre-exposed to supernatants of mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes, IF activity was released into freshly added medium while no significant MIF activity was found . IF was also found in supernatants of macrophage cultures after exposure to conventional inducers in vitro (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, Corynebacterium parvum) or in vivo (C . parvum), whereas no MIF was detected . An anti-Type I IF serum neutralized IF in supernatants from Con A-stimulated spleen cells but did not affect MIF in the same supernatants . This indicates that IF and MIF activity are associated with different molecules . It is, therefore, concluded that under the described conditions, IF and MIF are produced by different cells . T cells are the prime producers of MIF while IF is released by macrophages following induction by lymphokines.

J Cutan Pathol, 1978 Aug, 5(4), 165 - 83
Ultrastructural basis for the assay of topical acne treatments . Transmission and scanning electron microscopy of untreated comedones; Wilborn WH et al.; After two decades of using systemic antibiotics as a main treatment for acne, emphasis is again being placed on topical agents . Thus, it is highly desirable to have a procedure whereby the activity of the various compounds can be evaluated by direct visualization . Scanning electron microscopy combined with transmission electron microscopy provide the tools for such in assay . This study describes the ultrastructure of untreated comedones and provides the baseline or control data necessary for testing topical treatments . Comedones obtained by punch biopsies or comedo extractors were processed for electron microscopy and studied with an ETEC Autoscan Scanning Electron Microscope and with Philips EM 300 and EM 301 Transmission Electron Microscopes . Microorganisms, keratinized cells, sebum, and hairs interact with each other to form the comedonal mass . Corynebacterium acnes and Pityrosporum ovale proliferate abundantly in close association with sebum and penetrate the keratinized cells . Fine structural details of bacteria and yeasts as well as features of host-microbial relationship have been elucidated.

Cancer Treat Rep, 1978 Aug, 62(8), 1139 - 43
Protection against chemotherapy toxicity by IV hyperalimentation; Issell BF et al.; A prospective randomized trial was conducted comparing the addition of iv hyperalimentation (IVH) to Corynebacterium parvum, isophosphamide, and adriamycin (CIA) chemoimmunotherapy in 26 patients with extensive squamous cell lung cancer . Thirteen patients were entered in each treatment arm of the study and IVH was administered before and after the first course of CIA for a total of 31 days . The major dose-limiting toxic effect of CIA was leukopenia . Less myelosuppression was observed for the patients receiving IVH . The difference in the lowest recorded leukocyte and neutrophil counts between the two groups was significant (P = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively) . Also, a significant decrease (P = 0.06) in nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy administration was found for the IVH gorup . The differences in toxic effects between each group were not maintained over subsequent courses of therapy when both groups received CIA alone . The prevention of the toxic effects of chemotherapy by IVH suggests a means of giving higher chemotherapy doses with the intent of increasing tumor response and patient survival.

J Bacteriol, 1978 Aug, 135(2), 511 - 6
Evidence that the regulation of diphtheria toxin production is directed at the level of transcription; Murphy JR et al.; It has been known for several decades that iron inhibits the production of diphtheria toxin by Corynebacterium diphtheriae by preventing expression at maximal levels . We examined the inhibition kinetics of toxin production after the addition of either iron or rifampin to iron-limited cultures of C7 (betatox+) . Iron-mediated inhibition of toxin production was found to be linear within the range of 16 nM to 16 micron . The inhibition kinetics following the addition of iron or rifampin was almost identical . {3H}RNA extracted from iron-limited toxigenic C . diphtheriae was found to hybridize to a greater extent to corynephage beta DNA than either {3H}RNA extracted from toxigenic C . diphtheriae before the onset of toxin production or {3H}RNA extracted from nonlysogenic, nontoxigenic C . diphtheriae.

Arch Ophthalmol, 1978 Aug, 96(8), 1421 - 4
Ocular flora in the severely burned patient; Pramhus C et al.; One hundred six eyes of 53 patients with severe thermal burns were studied with serial conjunctival cultures during a four-month period . A dramatic shift of the normal conjunctival flora from the preponderance of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium to S aureus and Gram-negative bacilli was observed . This commonly occurred on the fifth to sixth postburn day and represented colonization of the conjunctiva by bacteria recovered from other sites in the body . Despite the high incidence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates (34%) of these eyes, deleterious effects were noted in only three eyes in two patients in whom infectious corneal ulcers developed before these patients died.

Arch Microbiol, 1978 Jul, 118(1), 67 - 9
Isolation of lipopolysaccharides and the effect of polymyxin B on the outer membrane of Corynebacterium autotrophicum; Wiegel J et al.; Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from Corynebacterium autotrophicum were isolated and analyzed . Autotrophically grown cells contained 2--5 mg of partly purified LPS per g dry weight of lyophilized cells . Serological cross reaction with Lipid A antigen of Salmonella minnesota confirmed the presence of LPS in C . autotrophicum . Electron microscopy of negatively stained Polymyxin B-treated cells showed formation of blebs on the Outer Membrane indicating an interaction of Polymyxin B specifically with LPS . Up to now, no Gram-positive organisms are known which contain any LPS . Thus, C . autotrophicum, though giving opposite results when the Gram-staining reaction was applied by several authors, has to be classified into the group of Gram-negative bacteria.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1978 Jul, 36(1), 144 - 59
Gastrointestinal microecology of BALB/c nude mice; Brown JF et al.; The aerobic, facultative, and anaerobic microorganisms cultivable from the stomachs, ilea, ceca, and colons of BALB/c athymic (nu/nu) mice (normal and wasting), thymus-implanted normal nude mice, and their heterozygous (nu/+) littermates were investigated . Ninety-one species representing 23 genera of bacteria and yeasts were isolated from the 27 mice . The wasting nude mice showed significantly lower numbers of lactobacilli in their stomach microbiota than did mice from the other three groups . The littermate animals appeared unique among the four groups in having corynebacteria as a major constituent of their stomach and ileal flora . The normal nude mice appeared to have a more diverse anaerobic stomach flora than their heterozygous littermates . These minor differences are discussed with respect to possible immunological, physiological, and environmental factors as their cause . Because the gastrointestinal microfloras of the mice from the four groups were not radically divergent from each other, it was concluded that loss of T-cell function does not dramatically alter the makeup of the cultivable gastrointestinal microflora in these mice.

Ann Intern Med, 1978 Jul, 89(1), 41 - 6
Nephrotoxicity from cancer immunotherapy; Dosik GM et al.; Because systemic intravenous immunotherapy with Corynebacterium parvum is an effective immunopotentiating and immunotherapeutic agent in animals, clinical studies of this agent have been undertaken . Toxicities in man have been noted, but most are treated symptomatically . Three patients with metastatic melanoma developed oliguria, edema, diffuse bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, azotemia, hypoalbuminemia and hypocomplementemia, while receiving intravenous C . parvum therapy . All had renal biopsies that showed a proliferative glomerulonephritis with subendothelial basement membrane deposits . Immunofluorescence showed glomerular IgG, IgA, IgM, and the C3 component of complement . A fourth patient was found in retrospective chart review of 87 patients registered on two C . parvum-containing protcols . The frequency of the complication in this group was 3/87 . Renal failure resolved in all four patients spontaneously after the cessation of C . parvum immunotherapy . Serial evaluation of renal function should be carried out in all patients on systemic adjuvant immunotherapy.

J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Jul, 8(1), 67 - 72
Anaerobic and aerobic urethral flora in healthy females; Marrie TJ et al.; We characterized the aerobic and anaerobic urethral flora of five healthy females by performing urethral and midstream urine cultures once weekly for 8 weeks . Aerobic cultures were performed monthly for an additional 3 months . Lactobacillus spp . were isolated from 52 of 57 samples, Staphylococcus epidermidis from 42 of 57, Corynebacterium spp . from 26 of 57, and alpha-hemolytic streptococci from 14 of 57 . Two subjects had E . coli serogroup O6 and group B streptococci isolated on five occasions, respectively . Anaerobes were isolated from 32 of 35 urethral urines (91%) . Bacteroides melaninogenicus accounted for 46% of these isolates . The anaerobic urethral flora varied slightly from week to week, and a similar anaerobic flora was isolated from the introitus, fourchette, and cutaneous perineum . In addition, anaerobes were isolated from 16 of 18 healthy females who had a urethral urine sample cultured once only, and B . melaninogenicus was the most frequent isolate . Of the 21 B . melaninogenicus isolates identified to subspecies, 14 were subsp . intermedius.

J S Afr Vet Assoc, 1978 Jul, 49(2), 115 - 9
The microbiology of polony; Prior BA et al.; A survey of 25 polony samples of different brands available to the consumer in Bloemfontein showed that significant numbers of various micro-organisms were present . Aerobic micro-organisms, psychrophiles, micrococci, pseudomonads, Microbacterium thermosphactum, lactobacilli, yeasts and moulds were enumerated by the plate count technique . The mean aerobic plate count was 15,850/g and counts ranged between less than 100/g and greater than 1 million/g . Selective plate counts indicated that psychrophiles, pseudomonads and lactobacilli were the main groups present . During storage at 5 degrees C for 12 d, the mean pH of polony declined from 6,32 to 6,20 while the aerobic count increased 13 fold . Counts of all groups increased during storage at 5 degrees C especially M . thermosphactum, yeasts and moulds . No salmonellae were found and counts of Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus were less than 3/g . Storage of 5 polony samples at 1.1 degrees +/- 1 degrees C until they spoilt after 8 wks resulted in the aerobic count increasing to greater than 10(8)/g . Lactobacilli and psychrophiles increased most rapidly while pH decreased from 6,20 to 5,57 . Organisms isolated most frequently from spoilt polony were yeasts, micrococci, lactic acid bacteria and corynebacteria . It is concluded that standards for microbiological quality of polony are unnecessary.

Invest Urol, 1978 Jul, 16(1), 1 - 4
A diagnostic key employing biological reactions for differentiating pathogenic Corynebacterium genitalium (NSU corynebacteria) from commensals of the urogenital tract; Furness G et al.; More than 100 strains of Corynebacterium genitalium, probably responsible for coryneform urethritis and other infections, and 600 commensals of the male and female urogenital tracts have been studied and grouped into five pathogenic types numbered I to V and six saprophytic types designated C-1 to C-6 on the basis of eight biological reactions . This preliminary classification has been based on differences in requirements for oxygen, on the fermentation of fructose, dextrose, sucrose, and starch together with the production of the enzymes gelatinase, lipase, and urease . One criterion differentiated the pathogens from the commensals: All pathogens were nonfructose fermenters whereas every commensal fermented this sugar.

Cancer Treat Rep, 1978 Jul, 62(7), 1059 - 63
Combination chemoimmunotherapy for extensive non-oat cell lung cancer; Issell BF et al.; In a prospective randomized trial, sc Corynebacterium parvum (C . parvum) immunotherapy did not significantly affect the responses and survival of 49 non-oat cell lung cancer patients receiving isophosphamide and adriamycin chemotherapy . Remissions (tumor regression greater than 50%) were seen in five of 23 patients receiving an intensive C . parvum schedule and in three of 26 patients receiving a nonintensive C . parvum schedule (22% versus 12%) . Median survival was 20 weeks for patients given intensive C . parvum and 23 weeks for patients given nonintensive C . parvum . This study did demonstrate the importance of pretherapy immunocompetence, performance status, and weight loss as predictors for survival . Weight loss was the most significant prognostic factor . Performance status was closely associated with weight loss but skin reactivity to dermatophytin predicted independently and was the second most important prognostic characteristic.

Mikrobiologiia, 1978 Jul-Aug, 47(4), 693 - 8
{Characteristics of nucleoside and pyrimidine base metabolism in Corynebacterium glutamicum}; Grishchenkov VG et al.; Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13032 can utilize uridine as a sole source of carbon for its growth . Uridine degradation seems to be catalysed by hydrolase since it does not depend on the presence of phosphorus when the enzyme activity is assayed in vitro . Other nucleosides (adenosine, inosine, guanosine, cytidine, thymidine, deoxyuridine, deoxyadenosine, deoxyguanosine) cannot serve as a source of carbon for the growth of the bacterium . The label of thymidine-3H (methyl) is not incorporated into the acid-insoluble fraction of nucleic acids whereas the label of thymine-14C is incorporated . The cells are not susceptible to the presence of fluorodeoxyuridine in the medium but are inhibited by low concentrations (0.01 mcg/ml) of fluorouracil, the inhibition being eliminated with equimolar concentrations of uracil . Therefore, Corynebacterium glutamicum cannot assimilate thymidine or its analogue, fluorodeoxyuridine, in contrast to thymine which can be used as a sole source of nitrogen in the medium.

Pediatrics, 1978 Jul, 62(1), 57 - 62
Microbiology of the vagina in children: normal and potentially pathogenic organisms; Hammerschlag MR et al.; Vaginal cultures from 100 healthy girls, 2 months to 15 years of age, were examined for the presence of normal and potentially pathogenic microorganisms . Corynebacterium vaginale, yeast species, and genital mycoplasmas were isolated from vaginal cultures from 13.5 %, 28%, and 28% of the girls examined, respectively . Colonization with these organisms was not associated with signs or symptoms of vaginitis . Neisseria gonorrhoeae was isolated from a 4-year-old with purulent vaginitis . Trichomonas vaginalis was recovered from two 13-year-olds, both of whom had an abnormal vaginal discharge . Vaginal antibody to Chlamydia trachomatis was found in two girls 4 and 13 years of age . In neither girl was the organism recovered from the vaginal culture . Chlamydia trachomatis was recovered from the vaginal culture of another 4-year-old who had no abnormal findings on examination . Cultures from 59 of the girls were examined for aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria . Diphtheroids and Staphylococcus epidermidis were the most frequently isolated organisms . Lactobacilli were isolated most frequently from the older girls, whereas enteric organisms were isolated most frequently from the younger girls.

Int J Cancer, 1978 Jun 15, 21(6), 784 - 8
Effects of Corynebacterium parvum and cortisone on the primary Lewis tumour and its metastases; Jones PD et al.; The effects of Corynebacterium parvum and cortisone acetate (CA) on the primary Lewis lung carcinoma and its pulmonary metastases were investigated . C . parvum given IV either on the same day or 7 days after tumour inoculation, reduced primary tumour growth, while 2.5 mg CA (high-dose) given SC 4 and 11 days after tumour, alone or in combination with C . parvum, administered on day 0, reduced primary tumour growth to the same extent as C . pravum alone . High-dose CA given on days 2 and 6 had no effect on primary tumour growth or the action of C . parvum, administered on day 7, while 0.05 mg CA (low-dose) given on days 4 and 11 did not alter tumour growth or the action of C . parvum given at the same time as tumour . High-dose CA given 4 and 11 days after tumour caused a significant enhancement in metastases . C . parvum given to these mice on the same day as tumour significantly reduced the pulmonary nodules but only to the level found in control, saline-treated mice . In mice given C . parvum alone, metastases were significantly reduced when compared with controls . Similarly, high-dose CA given on days 2 and 6 significantly enhanced metastases, and C . parvum on day 7 reduced their level to that found in control mice . Low-dose CA had no effect on the number of metastases or the antimetastatic action of C . parvum . The relevance of these results to the clinical situation is discussed.

Clin Exp Immunol, 1978 Jun, 32(3), 471 - 6
Interferon production and lymphocyte stimulation in human leucocyte cultures stimulated by Corynebacterium parvum; Hirt HM et al.; Killed C . parvum organisms stimulated a lymphoproliferative response in human peripheral leucocyte cultures of both adult and cord blood origin . They also induced high titres of interferon in cultures of adult leucocytes, but there was no correlation between the degree of lymphocyte stimulation and of interferon production . A considerable variability between donors was seen in both assays . The amount of interferon produced in C . parvum-stimulated cultures was considerably higher than that stimulated by the T-cell mitogens PHA and Con A and that induced by LPS . The anti-viral protein induced by C . parvum fulfilled the criteria of interferon and appeared to represent type II interferon.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1978 Jun 1, 172(11), 1313 - 6
Echocardiographic diagnosis of endocarditis in a bull; Pipers FS et al.; A 2-year-old Charolais bull was examined because of lameness that developed after infection of a tail laceration . A systolic murmur was auscultated during the routine physical examination . A diagnosis of endocarditis and polyarthritis secondary to septicemia from the tail lesion was made . The diagnosis was supported by echocardiography and blood cultures, which yielded Corynebacterium pyogenes . The clinical diagnosis was confirmed at necropsy.

J Hyg (Lond), 1978 Jun, 80(3), 349 - 56
Corynebacterium kutscheri and its alleged avirulent variant in mice; Hirst RG et al.; Corynebacterium kutscheri and its alleged avirulent variant were re-examined in C57Bl/6 and Swiss Lynch mice . It was confirmed that while C57Bl/6 mice were resistant and Swiss Lynch susceptible to C . kutscheri, the alleged atypical variant was avirulent in both mouse strains . However, following immunosuppression of C57Bl/6 mice with hydrocortisone acetate, it was not possible to reactivate latent C . kutscheri or the alleged atypical variant; this was contrary to previous reports . Moreover, sequential hysterectomy derivation over four generations of C57Bl/6 mice did not eliminate their resistance to C . kutscheri compared with conventionally born animals . Vaccination with live attenuated C . kutscheri protected susceptible mice against virulent challenge; vaccination with the alleged atypical variant afforded no such protection . The suggested role of the alleged avirulent variant in resistance to C . kutscheri is challenged and an alternative explanation of such resistance is proposed.

Cancer Res, 1978 Jun, 38(6), 1769 - 73
Cytocidal and cytostatic ability of Corynebacterium liquefaciens in mouse squamous cell carcinoma in vivo; Ando K et al.; The cytostatic and cytocidal action of Corynebacterium liquefaciens was studied in a mouse squamous cell carcinoma in vivo . Kinetic analysis of tumor cells 4 and 8 days after a single i.p . dose of 2.0 mg C . liquefaciens showed a marked prolongation of the mean cell generation time (TG) . This prolongation affected most the G1 and, to a lesser extent, the S phases of the cell cycle . The tumor growth factor was decreased, and the mean value of the cell loss factor was increased . Assays to determine the number of tumor cells needed to produce the tumor in one-half of the transplant recipients showed that peritoneal exudate cells collected from mice given injections of C . liquefaciens exerted tumor cell killing that depended on the peritoneal exudate cell tumor:cell ratio . This cell killing was not found with peritoneal exudate cells from normal or proteose peptone-treated mice.

Cancer Res, 1978 Jun, 38(6), 1617 - 20
Induction of spleen cell growth and DNA polymerase activity by Corynebacterium parvum; Maruyama Y et al.; Corynebacterium parvum induces rapid proliferation of spleen cells with concomitant rapid increases in DNA synthesis as measured by {3H}thymidine uptake and increase in DNA polymerase activity . Cell number increased exponentially over 10 days . DNA polymerase activity increased 8-fold after C . parvum stimulation . The rapidity of response indicated a population response to the stimulus, and the data are consistent with a direct stimulation of spleen cell proliferation by C . parvum.

J Hyg (Lond), 1978 Jun, 80(3), 356 - 63
Serological and biochemical relationships between the alleged avirulent variant of Corynebacterium kutscheri and streptococci of group N; Hirst RG et al.; Morphological, biochemical and serological observations suggested that no close relationship existed between C . kutscheri and its alleged avirulent variant isolated from mice at the Rockefeller University . However, both capillary and double diffusion precipitin reactions showed the alleged variant to be a streptococcus of group N, indistinguishable from that previously isolated from Rockefeller University mice.

Onkologie, 1978 Jun, 1(3), 98 - 103
{Immuno-chemotherapy in patients with disseminated metastasizing stage III melanoma . Randomized study with methyl-CCNU versus C . parvum plus methyl-CCNU}; Kokoschka EM et al.; 34 patients with disseminated malignant melanoma (stage III) were randomized to the following therapy groups: Chemotherapy (MeCCNU, NSC 99441; 200 mg/m2, given orally every 8 weeks), or immuno-chemotherapy (1 mg Corynebacterium parvum i.v., on days 1-4 + MeCCNU 200 mg/m2 on day 8, repeated every 7 weeks) . Total therapy response rate was 33%; total and partial remissions were achieved in 26% of the patients receiving chemotherapy, and in 40% under immuno-chemotherapy . Interim life table analysis shows that in the group receiving C . parvum + MeCCNU 50% of the patients survived more than 12 months, whereas in the group with MeCCNU survival of 50% was 6 months . Pretreatment with C . parvum did not only potentiate the therapeutic effect, but also reduce the myelosuppression of MeCCNU.

Clin Exp Immunol, 1978 Jun, 32(3), 466 - 70
Is the adherent, non-specific 'suppressor' cell from rodent spleens an in vitro artefact?
Rook GA, King J.
Mitomycin C-treated cells from the spleens of mice pre-treated with BCG, Corynebacterium parvum, cyclophosphamide or methylcellulose will inhibit the mitogen responses of normal cells in vitro, but extended dose-response studies have shown that such cell populations will also enhance the response if added in very small numbers . The number of cells giving peak enhancement is proportional to the percentage of the spleen cells which are adherent at 72 hr . Such late-adhering cells are not removed by conventional adherence column techniques . The concept of the adherent suppressor T cell is discussed in the light of these findings.

Aust N Z J Surg, 1978 Jun, 48(3), 296 - 300
Chemoimmunotherapy in disseminated melanoma and colorectal carcinoma; Gough IR et al.; Non-specific immunotherapy with monthly intramuscular injection of Corynebacterium parvum has been investigated by randomized clinical trials in patients with advanced cancer . Thirty-six patients with disseminated melanoma were treated with either imidazole carboxamide (DTIC) alone or DTIC plus C.parvum . A 19% objective response rate was observed . The mean survival time was similar for both groups . Thirty-three patients with disseminated colorectal cancer were treated with either 5-fluorouracil (5FU) alone or 5FU plus C.parvum . No objective responses were observed . The mean survival time was similar for both groups . No advantage has been demonstrated in either tumour group by adding C.parvum to standard chemotherapy.

Nord Vet Med, 1978 Jun, 30(6), 282 - 5
Studies on the occurrence of Peptococcus indolicus and Corynebacterium pyogenes in abscesses in swine, and on the occurrence of Pc . indolicus in apparently normal skin and mucous membranes of piglets; Sorensen GH; Pc . indolicus was isolated from 42.7% and Cb . pyogenes from 48.7% of 150 pus-samples from abscesses in pigs (slaughter-house material, Table I) . In 41 specimens the two organisms were found together . Further, Pc . indolicus was demonstrated in 22.4% of 290 swabs from apparently normal skin and mucous membranes of piglets (autopsy material, Table II) . By gel diffusion analysis the strains of Pc . indolicus were referred to the serotypes B, C, D, E, or F . The type distribution (Table III) possibly reflects a type-related variation in the invasive properties of Pc . indolicus.

Immun Infekt, 1978 Jun, 6(3), 123 - 6
{Gram-positive bacteria as adjuvants (author's transl)}; Hahn H; Gram-positive bacteria or their constituents influence the immune response in various ways . For instance: Listeria monocytogenes cellwall fraction acts as B-cell mitogen, in this way enhancing a humoral immune response . Corynebacterium parvum acts as a macrophage stimulant evoking maximum macrophage activation . BCG, among other things, leads to an enhancement of a T-cell response to unrelated antigens . The hypothetical therapeutic consequences are discussed.

Res Vet Sci, 1978 May, 24(3), 269 - 76
Experimental induction of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep by intralymphatic inoculation of Corynebacterium ovis; Burrell DH; Lesions histologically similar to those of natural caseous lymphadenitis developed in sheep popliteal lymph nodes following injection of viable Corynebacterium ovis cells into afferent lymphatic ducts . Histopathological examination of affected lymph nodes suggested that exotoxin might be involved in the establishment, progressive development and persistence of caseous lymphadenitis lesions through localised cytotoxicity.

Cancer, 1978 May, 41(5), 1761 - 4
Monocyte function in patients with solid neoplasms during immunotherapy with Corynebacterium parvum; Scheinberg MA et al.; The present studies were performed in order to evaluate monocyte function in patients with solid neoplasms before and after administration of C . parvum . The results demonstrate that monocytes from cancer patients display increased numbers of C3 and Fc receptor sites after administration of C . parvum . It is concluded that characterization of monocyte receptor activity may be helpful in monitoring the effects of immunotherapy in the immune system.

Cancer Treat Rep, 1978 May, 62(5), 681 - 7
Chemo-immunotherapy for unresectable bronchogenic carcinoma; Sarna GP et al.; Seventy-nine patients with metastatic or unresectable bronchogenic carcinoma were treated with a regimen of combination chemotherapy which included methotrexate, Oncovin (vincristine), cyclophosphamide, and adriamycin (MOCA), and were randomized to receive no additional therapy, immunotherapy with bacillus Calmette-Guerin, or immunotherapy with Corynebacterium parvum (C . parvum) . The response rate and estimated median survival time were 68% and 42 weeks in small cell carcinoma and 18% and 29 weeks in other histologic types . Improved survival correlated with high performance status and response to therapy . Immunotherapy did not improve response, time to progression, or hematopoietic tolerance of chemotherapy . C . parvum was associated with significant morbidity and was poorly tolerated . MOCA appears to be of modest value in the treatment of bronchogenic carcinoma, particularly of the small cell type . A role for immunotherapy remains unproven.

J Clin Pathol, 1978 May, 31(5), 430 - 3
Survival of upper respiratory tract bacteria on cotton-wool swabs; Ross PW et al.; Plain, buffered cotton-wool swabs and albumen-coated cotton-wool swabs were prepared with known numbers of the following: Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, corynebacteria and Escherichia coli . Swabs were plated immediately (0 hours) after loading with a 0.1 ml standardised inoculum; each swab was plated out four times by streaking on both halves of two plates . At 0 hours recovery rates from first platings on solid media ranged from 3.3%-8.9%; from platings 1-4 ranges were 2.5%-5.7% . Both types of swabs gave similar results . The greater the delay in plating swabs at room temperature and 4 degrees C the lower was the recovery rate of H . influenzae and Strep . pneumoniae, though both species survived better on either kind of swab when these were held at 4 degrees C . There was a very small reduction in numbers of Staph . aureus from 24 to 48 hours but the recovery rate of corynebacteria was similar over the 48-hour period, at both room temperature and 4 degrees C . Twenty-four-hour counts of E . coli at room temperature were approximately five times greater than at 0 hours, and at 48 hours colonies were too numerous to count . At 4 degrees C, however, counts of E . coli fell during the 48-hour period.

Arch Intern Med, 1978 May, 138(5), 810 - 1
Corynebacterium pyogenes septic arthritis with plasma cell synovial infiltrate and monoclonal gammopathy; Norenberg DD et al.; A chronic septic process developed in the right knee of an elderly man with advanced degenerative arthritis of both knees . Open exploration, culture, and biopsy of the joint found that the pathogen was Corynebacterium pyogenes and that the synovium was involved with a remarkable perivascular infiltrate of plasma cells . Serum protein electrophoresis demonstrated a prominent M component . Following antimicrobial therapy, the M protein level has gradually declined, and no evolution of multiple myeloma has become apparent . The findings are consistent with a benign monoclonal gammopathy and localized plasmacytic reaction in the knee associated with infection by an unusual diphtheroid organism.

Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1978 May-Jun, 14(3), 345 - 53
{Effect of amino acids on the beta-aspartokinase activity from Corynebacterium glutamicum of wild and mutant strains}; Kara-murza SN et al.; The effect of amino acids, their structural analogs and ammonium sulphate on the enzyme activity of beta-aspartokinase isolated from Corynebacterium glutamicum was studied . Two strains were used: one of the wild type and the other--a mutant strain whose growth remains uninhibited by a simultaneous addition of threonine and S-2-aminoethylcysteine, a lysine analog . Significant differences in the effect of amino acids and their analogs on the beta-aspartokinase activity of the parental and mutant strains were detected . These findings suggest that the lysine supersynthesis by the mutant strain of Corynebacterium glutamicum occurs due to genetically induced changes of allosteric properties of the mutant enzyme.

J Clin Microbiol, 1978 May, 7(5), 428 - 33
Value of acid metabolic products in identification of certain corynebacteria; Reddy CA et al.; Acid metabolic products of 23 strains of human and animal pathogenic corynebacteria, representing eight different species, were determined by gas chromatography . The results showed that the species examined were metabolically heterogeneous and could be presumptively identified based on the acid products produced . Corynebacterium equi did not produce any acids; C . renale produced lactate; and C . pyogenes produced major amounts of lactate, variable amounts of acetate, and minor amounts of succinate and pyruvate . C . kutscheri produced propionate and lactate as major products and pyruvate and oxalacetate as minor products . C . diphtheriae and C . pseudotuberculosis produced major amounts of propionate, acetate, and formate . In addition, C . pseudotuberculosis produced major amounts of pyruvate and minor amounts of succinate, lactate, and oxalacetate, whereas C . diphtheriae strains produced minor but variable amounts of lactate, succinate, fumarate, pyruvate, and oxalacetate . C . bovis produced aicd products similar to those of C . pyogenes but was readily distinguishable from the latter by the lack of hemolysis on blood agar, colony morphology, catalase reaction, and biochemicals . C . suis characteristically produced major amounts of ethanol, acetate, and formate and minor amounts of lactate and succinate but no propionate.

Minerva Med, 1978 Apr 30, 69(21), 1443 - 54
{Preliminary results of polychemiotherapy and immunostimulant treatment with Corynebacterium parvum in tumors of the breast in the postoperative phase and advanced phase}; Bellotti R et al.; Difficulties still encountered in the coordinated interdisciplinary management of solid tumours in hospitals are discussed . Preliminary results obtained with a polychemical and immunostimulating protocol based on Corynebacterium parvum (introduced in 1973) in breast tumours immediately after surgery and in the advanced stage are presented . Two out of eight subjects with advanced forms died . Partial regression or a steady state were noted in the remainder . No locoregional recurrences or metastases were observed from 1 to 2 yr after the commencement of treatment in 22 patients treated in the immediate post-operative phase . These results are considered satisfactory, though a final evaluation would be premature . Stress is laid on the importance of immunostimulating management in the avoiding the immunodepression caused by the administration of drugs.

Experientia, 1978 Apr 15, 34(4), 458 - 60
Electron microscopical evidence of the evolution of corynebacteria-like microorganisms within human erythrocytes; Tedeschi GG et al.; The corynebacteria-like microorganisms evoluting in the haemocultures take origin from electron dense granular bodies carried within the erythrocytes.

Int J Cancer, 1978 Apr 15, 21(4), 444 - 52
An analysis of conditions allowing Corynebacterium parvum to cause either augmentation or inhibition of natural killer cell activity against tumor cells in mice; Ojo E et al.; We have analyzed the impact of in vivo administration of Corynebacterium parvum on the mouse immune system against murine tumors, using the natural cytotoxic ability against tumors of normal mouse lymphoid cells as a baseline . A striking difference was found depending on the route of administration . Intravenous inoculation of bacteria would result in a significant decrease or sometimes complete abolition of natural cytotoxicity toward tumor cells of the spleen cells of treated mice . On the other hand, the intraperitoneal route of administration resulted in a dramatic increase in cytolytic ability of the peritoneal exudate cells . Both routes of treatment had the most significant impacts on the local cell population (IV = spleen, IP = peritoneal exudate cells) with only minor effects on other cell populations . Analysis of the spleen cell population from IV-treated mice did also demonstrate a significant reduction in the T lymphocyte function, but in contrast to the natural cytotoxicity this could be corrected for by the removal of suppressor cells of an adherent nature . The lytic cells induced in the peritoneal exudate by the Corynebacterium parvum bacteria were all found to be natural killer, NK, cells with no significant activity found amongst macrophages using short-term cytolytic assays.

J Biol Chem, 1978 Apr 10, 253(7), 2356 - 60
Isolation of vitamin K2(35) from Nocardia restrictus and Corynebacterium simplex . A natural electron acceptor in microbial steroid ring A dehydrogenations; Abul-Hajj YJ; Isooctane extraction of cells from Nocardia restrictus and Corynebacterium simplex followed by chromatographic separation gave yellow crystals which were identified as vitamin K2(35) by its ultraviolet absorption, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum, and mass spectrometry . The purified vitamin K2(35) was found to stimulate steroid 1,2-dehydrogenase obtained from cell free extracts of N . restrictus, C . simplex, Cylindrocarpon radicicola, and Septomyxa affinis as well as 4,5alpha-dehydrogenase and 4,5beta-dehydrogenase obtained from N . restrictus . Evidence is presented to show that vitamin K2(35) can act as an efficient electron acceptor in steroid ring A dehydrogenations which may be coupled to other systems during microbial transformations of steroids.

Acta Pathol Microbiol Scand {C}, 1978 Apr, 86(2), 79 - 88
Immunoproliferative alterations in lymphoid tissues and liver in mice stimulated with Corynebacterium parvum; Ellegaard J et al.; Morphological alterations in the spleen, liver, lymph nodes, thymus, bone marrow and blood were studied in DBA and Balb/C mice treated with Corynebacterium parvum . The spleen lymph nodes and liver increased in size and weight, whereas thymus showed decrease in weight compared to the control group . A marked, early proliferation of monocytes in the bone marrow preceded infiltrations by macrophages in lymph nodes, spleen and liver . These infiltrations were closely related to the vascular structures, became nodular and decreased around day 12 after the injection . A rapid increase in the number of monocytes and transformed lymphocytes of the peripheral blood were noted almost immediately after the administration of the vaccine . No relationship between the degree and duration of the histological changes, strain of mice, and number of inoculations was found . It is suggested that the increase in size and weight of the lymphoid organs and the liver is primarily caused by invasion of macrophages, perhaps secondary to a preceding proliferation of monocytes in the bone marrow.

Gann, 1978 Apr, 69(2), 259 - 62
Cytotoxic activity of human blood monocytes against cultured breast cancer cells; Uchiyama H et al.; Cytotoxic activity of blood monocytes from 19 healthy individuals was examined in vitro against the cultured floating cells of human breast cancer origin . Target tumor cells inoculated on monocyte cultures and maintained for 5 days were reduced in number, compared with the control cultues of tumor cells alone . Increased cytotoxicity of the monocytes was noted after in vitro activation by heat-killed Corynebacterium liquefaciens (Propionibacterium acnes) . C . liquefaciens of the same dose as used for monocyte activation had no effect on the tumor cell growth . These results may indicate that blood monocytes have an antitumor activity and it can be strengthened by treatment with C . liquefaciens . Antitumor activity of blood monocytes and macrophages was discussed on a concept of the mononuclear phagocyte system . A possible development of a new assay method for macrophage function as a parameter of host defence state against cancer will be expected.

Eur J Immunol, 1978 Apr, 8(4), 257 - 62
Immunity to transplantable carcinogen-induced fibrosarcomas in B2/B2 chickens . III . Tumor growth inhibition by local delayed hypersensitivity reactions to unrelated antigens; Palladino MA et al.; Delayed hypersensitivity (DH) reaction to human Ig, corynebacterium parvum or allogeneic cells at the site of tumor cell injection, suppressed the fibrosarcoma (SCFS) growth in chickens . Spleen cells of SC chickens sensitized to human Ig or C . parvum suppressed SCFS growth when adoptively transferred with tumor cells, but only when the sensitizing antigen was present locally . This suppression did not occur in irradiated recipients, SCFS I cells injected into wattles of chickens immune to the tumor, provoked a local DH reaction . Spleen cells from donors sensitized to SCFS I adoptively transferred immunity to both SCFS I and SCFS II when cells of the two tumors were mixed together before injection, but not when SCFS II cells were injected alone . Tumor-specific and nontumor-specific DH may be essential for local suppression of fibrosarcoma growth in chickens.

Br J Cancer, 1978 Apr, 37(4), 571 - 5
Effects of amputation and Corynebacterium parvum on tumour metastases in mice; Mosley JG et al.; The effects of operation (lower-limb amputation) on the growth of the Lewis lung tumour and its metastases were studied . The role of C . parvum in counteracting these effects was investigated . Anaesthesia alone or with amputation did not affect primary tumour growth . C . parvum depressed this growth . Anaesthesia did not affect the number of pulmonary metastases, but amputation caused a significant increase . C . parvum inhibited metastases and completely counteracted the effects of operation on them . Large doses of cortisone acetate significantly increased metastases but small doses had no effect . Experiments with adrenalectomized mice suggested the effects of operation were due to non-specific stress.

Cornell Vet, 1978 Apr, 68(2), 220 - 37
A serologic method for the detection of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infections in horses; Knight HD; A serologic technique useful for detecting antibodies formed in horses in response to infection with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is described . The test relies on the ability of C . pseudotuberculosis toxin to produce a wide zone of hemolysis when applied to erythrocytes previously treated with a sterile filtrate of Corynebacterium equi broth culture . The synergistic hemolytic activity can be neutralized by anti-C . pseudotuberculosis serum . This test was used to analyze sera from 616 horses for the presence of C . pseudotuberculosis antitoxin . Of 177 animals (see Table 2) found positive, there were 34 horses with bacteriologically confirmed, active infections and 18 with active but unconfirmed infections . In addition, 13 animals had a history of having had the disease and 112 had no history or evidence of having had the infection . The other 439 horses had negative titers . Statistical treatments confirmed the value of the test as an epidemiological tool but precluded using only titers for the diagnosis of active clinical disease.

J Natl Cancer Inst, 1978 Apr, 60(4), 887 - 93
Modification of radiation responses of murine tumors by misonidazole (Ro 07-0582), host immune capability, and Corynebacterium parvum; Stone HB et al.; The hypoxic cell sensitizer misonidazole (Ro 07-0582),1-(2-nitro-1-imidazolyl)-3-methoxy-2-propanol, significantly enhanced the local control of the weakly immunogenic C3H mouse mammary carcinoma MDAH-MCa-4 (8-mm diameter) by single doses of radiation . The dose modification factor (DMF) was 2.33 when the drug was given ip to inbred C3Hf/Bu mice in a dose of 1 mg/g body weight 30 minutes before irradiation of the tumor . The DMF in a highly immunogenic 3-methylcholanthrene-induced C3H fibrosarcoma (FSa) was 1.65 in normal mice and 1.86 in mice immunosuppressed by 600 rads whole-body irradiation 1 day before tumor transplantation . In mice treated iv with 0.25 mg Corynebacterium parvum when tumors were 6 mm in diameter and irradiated at 8 mm, local control of FSa was enhanced at low doses of radiation but was similar to that in normal mice at higher doses . In mice treated with both misonidazole and C . parvum, local control at lower doses of radiation was similar to that in mice treated with C . parvum alone but was enhanced at higher doses in mice that failed to respond to C . parvum . Cytotoxicity of misonidazole, as reflected in tumor growth, was not detected.

Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig A}, 1978 Apr, 240(2), 258 - 64
{Identification of Corynebacterium diphtheriae by Way of Immunofluorescence (author's transl)}; Schoenemann W; The immunofluorescence technique (IF) will be demonstrated as a time-saving method for identifying Corynebacterium diphtheriae . In three test-series the IF-test was performed on 74 strains of C . diphtheriae which had been isolated in a small case of epidemic in Gelsenkirchen, on 4 strains of diphtheroids and on some strains to be found in the nasopharynx . All of these strains had been taken from blood agar, 69 toxinogenic strains of C . diphtheriae showed a clear, plainly reproducible fluorescence (Fig . 1) . The diphtheroids and the other strains tested could be clearly differentiated from C . diphtheriae as a consequence of absent fluorescence of the cell wall . Because of morphological changes effected by potassium tellurite on C . diphtheriae smears made from tellurite media proved themselves to be inappropriate for the IF-test . Swabs from carriers of bacilli were not available for our IF-test . The results obtained from the blood agar, however, show that the IF-technique has to be considered as an improvement and a broadening of diphtheria diagnostics . New prospects present themselves for effecting the long aimed-at rapid diagnosis within a few hours.

Scand J Immunol, 1978 Apr, 7(4), 297 - 306
Natural killer cells may be the only cells in normal mouse lymphoid cell populations endowed with cytolytic ability for antibody-coated tumour target cells; Ojo E et al.; Mouse normal lymphoid cells were analysed as to their ability to perform in three cytolytic systems: Ability to act as 'natural killer', NK, cells against a NK sensitive tumour target, YAC; as effector cells against IgG-coated 815 cells, or to function as effector cells against IgG-coated CRBC . NK activity and ADCC against the IgG-coated P815 cells were found to vary in parallel as affected by age, organ distribution and genotype of the effector cells . On the other hand, ADCC against CRBC was largely carried out by effector cells distinct from those functioning as NK cells or in ADCC against P815 . Temperature pretreatment schedules at 37 degrees C showed both NK cells and ADCC ability against P815 to be highly sensitive on contrast to ADCC against CRBC . Likewise, inoculation of Corynebacterium parvum intraperitoneally will lead to reduction in ADCC ability against CRBC but increase in ADCC against P815 and NK activity . Blocking experiments using 'cold' inhibitor cells in the cytolytic assays indicated that NK cells and effector cells against IgG-coated P815 cells are the very same cells . We thus conclude that NK cells in the mouse also have the ability to express K cell activity against IgG-coated tumour target cells . In fact, our data suggest that the NK cells may be the only cell type in the mouse equipped with cytolytic potential for antibody-coated murine nucleated cells

Infect Immun, 1978 Apr, 20(1), 12 - 9
Nonspecific immunostimulant activities of synthetic trehalose-6,6'-diesters (lower homologs of cord factor); Parant M et al.; Mycobacterial cord factors (6,6'-diesters of trehalose with mycolic acids ranging from C80 to C90) have been shown to protect mice effectively against infection with Klebsiella pneumoniae or with Listeria monocytogenes . Our present findings indicate that the low-molecular-weight cord factor of Corynebacterium diphtheriae (with corynomycolic acids ranging from C28 PTO C36) is equally active . Moreover, its synthetic analog (with synthetic C32 mycolic acid) has the same activity . Two lower synthetic 6,6'-diesters of trehalose with C22 acids, which are described here for the first time, as well as dipalmitate and a dioleate of sucrose, were found inactive . The synthetic C76 trehalose diesters, which are capable of enhancing nonspecific resistance to infection, increase the immune response in mice, even when injected in metabolizable oil . They induce in the injected paws an inflammatory process weaker and more transient than the natural cord factor.

Can J Comp Med, 1978 Apr, 42(2), 151 - 5
Isolation of Ureaplasma from bovine granular vulvitis; Ruhnke HL et al.; Cultures for mycoplasmatales, viruses and bacteria were made from bovine vulvar swabs to determine whether ureaplasma was associated with a clinical granular vulvitis observed in 16 Ontario dairy herds . Ureaplasma was isolated from 23.5% of 34 clinically normal cows, 74% of 27 cows with mild to moderate vulvar hyperemia but no discharge and 100% of 20 cows with acute vulvar hyperemia accompanied by purulent discharge . There were statistically significant differences in rates of isolation among clinical groups . Mycoplasma bovigenitalium was isolated from 7.7% and 20% of cows with moderate or acute vulvitis respectively but not from normal cows . Haemophilus somnus was isolated from 25% of cows with acute vulvitis . There were no significant differences in isolations of Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium pyogenes and alpha-hemolytic streptococcus between normal and clinically affected animals . Cultures of 135 repeat samples from 33 cows revealed that ureaplasma persisted in some animals for at least three months . No viruses were isolated from any of the animals in this study.

Nord Vet Med, 1978 Apr-May, 30(4-5), 199 - 204
Bacteriological examination of summermastitis secretions . The demonstration of bacteroidaceae; Sorensen GH; Corynebacterium pyogenes was isolated from 22, Peptococcus indolicus from 22, a microaerophilic coccus from 21, Bacteroides melaninogenicus subsp . melaninogenicus from 18, Fusobacterium necrophorum from 15, and various unidentified anaerobes from 9 of a total of 22 summermastitis secretions examined.

Cancer Treat Rep, 1978 Apr, 62(4), 505 - 10
Combination chemotherapy plus methanol extracted residue of bacillus Calmette-Guérin or Corynebacterium parvum in stage III lung cancer; Bjornsson S et al.; Seventy-six patients with stage III bronchogenic carcinoma were treated with monthly adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II), and vincristine . In addition, they were randomized to receive either no immunotherapy, the methanol extracted residue of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (MER), or Corynebacterium parvum (C . parvum) . Age, histology, extent of disease, prior therapy, and performance status were comparable in the three treatment groups . Twelve patients (16%) died having received only one treatment cycle . Sixty-four of the 76 patients received two or more treatments and were evaluable for response . There were no patients with complete responses, 14 patients (18%) with partial responses, 28 patients (37%) with no change, and 22 patients (29%) with progressive disease . Survival among patients receiving C . parvum is significantly longer (P less than 0.05) than that of patients receiving either MER or no immunotherapy.

Infect Immun, 1978 Apr, 20(1), 167 - 72
Isolation of the L-phase variant from toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae C7(beta); Kanel C et al.; The L-phase variant was isolated from lysogenic strain C7(beta) of Corynebacterium diphtheriae by the penicillin disk tecnnique on an agar medium containing 3.7% brain heart infusion, 3% NaCl, 1.25% Grycine, 1% Noble agar, and 10% horse serum . The L-phase formed a "fried egg" colony; it was resistant to antibiotics that inhibit biosynthesis of bacterial cell walls but was susceptible to antibiotics that act on the protein-synthesizing system . After several transfers of the L-phase initially isolated, the L-phase of strain C7(beta) became stable, forming a typical L-phase colony on the agar even without penicillin . The L-phase variant retained lysogenicity and toxigenicity . The toxin production by this L-phase variant was, like that by the bacterial phase, inhibited by excess iron.

J Natl Cancer Inst, 1978 Apr, 60(4), 829 - 33
Resistance to Marek's disease . Effect of Corynebacterium parvum and Marek's tumor cell vaccines on tumorigenesis in chickens; Donahoe J et al.; A study of nonspecific stimulation of the avian immune system with Corynebacterium parvum and specific stimulation with Marek's tumor cell vaccines revealed that nonspecifically stimulated outbred White Leghorn-type cockerels had higher incidences of tumors than did controls . A study of tumor cell cytotoxicity of sera from Marek's disease virus exposed birds indicated that humoral factors may play some role in tumor resistance.

J S Afr Vet Assoc, 1978 Mar, 49(1), 40 - 4
Porcine arthritis and meat hygiene in South Africa; Turner GV; The incidence, economic implications, aetiology and possible public health significance or porcine arthritis in South African slaughter pigs is discussed . An investigation into the aetiology and pathology of porcine arthritis as found at a South African abbattoir revealed that Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was present in 48% of the affected joints and Streptococcus spp., Corynebacterium spp . and Staphylococcus spp . in 20%, 4% and 2% respectively . The joints showed various degress of subacute to chronic proliferative sero-fibrinous to fibrinopurulent arthritis regardless of whether bacteria were isolated . It is essential that the Lnn . axillares primae costae which drain the forelimb joints also be examined routinely during meat inspection.

Br J Cancer, 1978 Mar, 37(3), 345 - 55
Studies with a spontaneous mouse tumor . I . Growth in normal mice and response to Corynebacterium parvum; Woodruff MF et al.; Growth of isogeneic transplants of a spontaneous murine adenocarcinoma, which is virtually devoid of tumour-specific transplantation antigens, is inhibited by i.v . injection of C . parvum 3 days after tumour inoculation, or by mixing a small dose of C . parvum with the tumour inoculum . Moreover, the therapeutic effect of cyclophosphamide, followed by i.v . or i.p . injection of C . parvum 5 days later, on established transplants of the same tumour is greater than that of cyclophosphamide alone . These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that in both situations (i.e . before the appearance of a palpable tumour and after reduction of an established tumour transplant with cyclophosphamide) the effect of C . parvum is largely due to activation of macrophages or macrophage precursors . They have the important practical implication that adjuvant therapy with C . parvum may be of value, even with tumours which are devoid of TSTA.

Cancer Res, 1978 Mar, 38(3), 862 - 4
Enhancement by Corynebacterium parvum of the normal and tumor tissue response to hyperthermia; Urano M et al.; The effect of Corynebacterium parvum treatment on the response of tumor and normal tissue to hyperthermia (43.5 degrees) was studied . Animals were C3Hf/Sed mice from our defined flora mouse colony . The time at hyperthermia that achieved control of one-half of methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcomas and the foot reaction were examined after treatment . C . parvum, if given 3 to 32 days before hyperthermia, enhanced the reaction to local hyperthermia of normal tissue . No enhancement was observed if C . parvum was given after hyperthermia . This enhancement was more dramatic for tumor response resulting in a therapeutic gain factor of congruent to 2.3 (3.7/1.6) . Comparative studies on combined Corynebacterium and radiation failed to demonstrate the enhancement to normal tissue.

Cancer Res, 1978 Mar, 38(3), 689 - 92
Immunotherapy of an established rat mammary adenocarcinoma (13762A) with intratumor injection of Corynebacterium parvum; Kreider JW et al.; We studied the effects of intratumor injection of Corynebacterium parvum vaccine on the survival of 13762A tumor-bearing rats . Vaccine injection of established (7-day-old) tumors produced dose-related prolongation of survival and cured some animals . Although 30 to 40% of the vaccine-injected primary tumors regressed, recurrences and continued growth of metastases ultimately killed one-fourth of the regressors . Rats given 1500 microgram of C . parvum intratumorally at 7 days, with or without later primary tumor excision at 20 days were cured at a rate of 10 to 40% . Repeated injections improved the results (60%) . C . parvum injections delayed until 12 and 17 days were ineffective . Cured rats were immune to rechallenge with 13762A tumor.

J Natl Cancer Inst, 1978 Mar, 60(3), 653 - 8
Antitumor activity of purified cell walls from Corynebacterium parvum; Riveros-Moreno V et al.; Cell walls (CW), containing peptidoglycan and carbohydrate, were prepared from Corynebacterium parvum and tested for lymphoreticular stimulation and antitumor effects in CBA-T6T6 mice . CW did not induce splenomegaly . Peritoneal macrophages became cytostatic to Rl leukemia cells in vitro after ip injection of CW or of peptidoglycan but not of carbohydrate; however, on a dry-weight basis the activity was low (less than 10%) compared with that of C . parvum . Tumor outgrowth was significantly suppressed after sc injection of mixture of M4 fibrosarcoma cells and CW, but again the activity of CW was less than 10% of the of C . parvum . In contrast to injection of C . parvum, intratumor injection of CW failed to retard tumor growth in normal mice, although a suppressive effect was found in mice presensitized to C . parvum . Again, unlike C . parvum, CW did not act as an adjuvant for tumor-specific transplantation antigen, as judged by a lack of enhanced resistance to tumor challenge after injection of mixtures of CW and irradiated M4 cells . The distribution and persistence of 125l-labeled C . parvum and CW after sc or ip injection were similar . CW activity was not restored by attachment to oil droplets or emulsification in Freund's incomplete adjuvant.

Cancer Res, 1978 Mar, 38(3), 850 - 8
Altered toxicity of 5-fluorouracil following treatment with Corynebacterium parvum; Foster RS Jr; Recent studies have demonstrated that systemic Corynebacterium parvum increases serum granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and stimulates the proliferation of granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells . It was hypothesized that more rapid cycling of granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells would render the cells more sensitive to a cell cycle-specific chemotherapeutic agent . The colony-forming ability of bone marrow granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells was assayed in vitro with soft agar cultures . C . parvum given before 5-fluorouracil in C57BL/6 mice increased the granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cell toxicity, the lymphopenic effect, and the lethality of 5-fluorouracil . When C . parvum was given after 5-fluorouracil, there was more rapid rebound of granulocyte counts to normal or supranormal levels.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1978 Feb 15, 172(4), 489 - 94
Postpartum evaluation of bovine reproductive potential: comparison of findings from genital tract examination per rectum, uterine culture, and endometrial biopsy; Studer E et al.; The genital tract of 106 cows was evaluated after parturition by rectal palpation and by visual inspection of vaginal discharges . Analysis of these results revealed a significant (P less than 0.01) correlation with the ratings of endometrial biopsies . The most frequent bacterial isolations included Corynebacterium pyogenes, coliforms, or streptococci, or combinations thereof . Abnormal ratings obtained by gross evaluation and by histologic examination were associated principally with C pyogenes . Purulent discharges in particular were highly correlated (P less than 0.01) with infection caused by C pyogenes . Neither the gross genital tract condition nor the uterine histopathology rating was positively correlated with conception rate; however, the association between days open and conception rate was significant (P less than 0.05) . Bacterial infections significantly (P less than 0.05) increased the number of services required for conception and significantly (P less than 0.01) increased the number of cows culled because of infertility . Cows up to 4 years old had a 61% 1st-service conception rate compared with 35% for older cows, and this difference was significant (P less than 0.05) . The development of one or more postpartum diseases significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced 1st-service conception rate, whereas milk production was negatively correlated (P less than 0.05) with conception.

Br Med J, 1978 Feb 11, 1(6109), 338 - 40
Treatment of malignant ascitic and pleural effusion with Corynebacterium parvum; Webb HE et al.; Six patients with malignant effusions, five from adenocarcinomas and one from a melanoma, were treated by intrapleural or intraperitoneal Corynebacterium parvum . In each case there was a definite reduction in the effusions with a significant decrease in the number of malignant cells; in most cases the effusions stopped completely . Although none of the patients lived for more than a year after treatment, they were undoubtedly more comfortable, as they no longer required frequent paracentesis . In some cases the patients lived for longer than originally expected in a state in which the quality of life was acceptable.

J Med Assoc Thai, 1978 Feb, 61(2), 87 - 92
Role of the natural immunity to diphtheria in preventing an outbreak of the disease in the community; Limsuwan A et al.; PIP: The presence of immunity to diphtheria in children with no history of diphtheria vaccination from Tambon Chiang Rak Noi, Bang-Pa-In District, central Thailand was determined by Schick tests and throat and skin cultures . 69 or 36.3% of 190 children aged 1-9 had negative, or immune, Schick tests . 39 children showed Corynebacterium organisms, 6 of which were positive for C . diphtheriae . 37 of the positive isolates were from throat swabs, 3 of them were from skin lesions, and 1 child had positive cultures of both throat and skin . Diphtheria organisms are known to persist in the mucous membrane of the nose and throat for years in about 1% of convalescents of the disease .

J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Feb, 7(2), 223 - 31
Aerobic bacterial flora of oral and nasal fluids of canines with reference to bacteria associated with bites; Bailie WE et al.; Oral and nasal fluids of 50 dogs were examined to determine the prevalence of aerobic bacteria frequently associated with animal bite wounds . The most frequently isolated microorganisms included: IIj, EF-4, Pasteurella multocida, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, group D streptococci, Corynebacterium sp., Enterobacteria, Neisseria sp., Moraxella sp., and Bacillus sp . Other species and genera were infrequently recovered and may represent transient flora . The high incidence of IIj, EF-4, P . multocida, and S . aureus, all known human pathogens, suggests that they should be considered as probably contaminants in bite wounds.

J Exp Med, 1978 Feb 1, 147(2), 593 - 8
Macrophage activation: increased ingestion of IgG-coated erythrocytes after administration of interferon inducers to mice; Hamburg SI et al.; In vitro phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized sheep erythrocytes (EA) was used to measure the in vivo activation of mouse peritoneal macrophages . Uptake of EA as enhanced by the extraperitoneal administration of Newcastle disease virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, tilorone or polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid . Ingestion of EA was similarly stimulated by lipopolysaccharide or killed Corynebacterium parvum . Dose-response curves relating concentrations of IgG to phagocytosis were parallel for both treated and control animals . This indicates that the heterogeneity of the macrophage populations did not change and that the overall populations were activated with respect to phagocytic ability . Numbers of macrophages were not increased (except in C . parvum-treated mice), suggesting that resident, rather than newly recruited macrophages, were activated by the different agents.

Parasitology, 1978 Feb, 76(1), 55 - 60
Heterologous immunity between piroplasms and malaria parasites: the simultaneous elimination of Plasmodium vinckei and Babesia microti from the blood of doubly infected mice; Cox FE; Mice which have recovered from infections with the avirulent piroplasm Babesia microti are also resistant to challenge with the virulent malaria parasite Plasmodium vinckei . In mice infected with P . vinckei before the peak of the B . microti infection the numbers of malaria parasites in the blood increase until that peak and are then eliminated at the same time as the piroplasms . In mice infected with P . vinckei at or after the peak there is no apparent multiplication and the malaria parasites begin to disappear from the blood immediately . The malaria parasites in doubly infected mice show signs of degeneration similar to those seen in mice pre-treated with Corynebacterium parvum and it is suggested that a common mechanism exists in homologous and heterologous immunity and in immunity following pre-treatment with C . parvum or BCG.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1978 Feb 1, 172(3), 304 - 9
Internal abdominal abscesses in the horse: a study of 25 cases; Rumbaugh GE et al.; internal abdominal abscesses in 25 horses, including 8 horses that died or were euthanatized, were found to be caused by Streptococcus equi, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, or Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis . Breed or sex predilection was not found . Although horses of all ages were affected, those under 5 years of age were more commonly affected . Nearly all of the horses had a history of respiratory catarrh or lymphadenitis . Horses with internal abdominal abscesses also had intermittent, prolonged colic or chronic weight loss . Most horses had increased rectal temperature, increased heart and respiratory rates, and varying degrees of anorexia . Chronic depression anemia, increased plasma fibrinogen concentration, increased total plasma protein with hypergammaglobulinemia, and hypoalbuminemia were prominent clinicopathologic findings . Results of rectal examination or surgical exploration often revealed an abdominal mass . Peritoneal fluid from 14 horses was examined, and the protein content was greater than 2.5 g/dl, with increased numbers of neutrophils . Culture results were negative in all 14 cases, although bacteria were seen intracellularly in 5 cases . Long-term (2- to 6-month) antimicrobial therapy with procaine penicillin G resulted in clinical resolution in most of these animals.

J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Feb, 7(2), 137 - 8
Modified culture technique for Corynebacterium diphtheriae isolation from desiccated swabs; Facklam RR et al.; Corynebacterium diphtheriae was isolated from pyoderma and ulcerative skin lesions with a modified delayed culture procedure as late as 9 weeks after field collection of silica gel-desiccated swabs . Biotypes gravis and mitis were identified . Most isolates were nontoxigenic . Todd-Hewitt broth enrichment enhanced recovery of C . diphtheriae by 70%.

Biomed Mass Spectrom, 1978 Feb, 5(2), 146 - 52
Mass spectrometry of acylated sugars as trimethylsilyl ether derivatives . A way for location of long chain fatty acyl groups; Puzo G et al.; The mass spectra of the trimethylsilyl ethers of the four positional isomers of methyl-O-palmitoyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside have been studied, and the structures of the principal ions assigned by the use of exact mass measurements and deuterium labelling on the aliphatic chain, the trimethylsilyl group and the glucosidic methyl group . The origin of some fragments has been elucidated by analysis of reactions of metastable ions . The mass spectra of the different isomers exhibit major differences, which depend upon the presence or absence of the aliphatic chain . These results indicate that this is a useful method for determining the position of an acyl group in a methyl glucoside . The applicability of this mass spectrometric method in structural determination of unknown acylated sugars is discussed . The structure of a corynomycoloyl-alpha-D-trehalose, isolated from Corynebacterium diphtheriae, has been determined by mass spectrometry as an application of the method . The molecular weight of this compound has been determined by field desorption mass spectrometry (cationization method), and the study of the electron impact spectrum of the trimethylsilyl derivatives clearly demonstrates that the corynomycolic acid is linked by an ester group to position 6 of the trehalose molecule.

J Immunol, 1978 Feb, 120(2), 347 - 52
Mechanism of nonspecific macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity: evidence for lack of dependence upon oxygen; Sorrell TC et al.; Peritoneal macrophages elicited in C3H/HJ mice by the i.p . injection of Corynebacterium parvum were cytotoxic to allogeneic virus-transformed fibroblasts in vitro . Cytotoxicity was demonstrated in a morphologic (plaque) assay, and quantitated by measuring macrophage-mediated inhibition of incorporation of 3H-thymidine by the target cells . The cytotoxic effect was well established by 6 hr of macrophage-fibroblast interaction, and was retained in cultures from which the supernatant was removed before the addition of 3H-thymidine . Cytotoxic activity of macrophages diminished rapidly after 22 hr of cultivation in vitro . Maximal cytotoxic effect could be prolonged by addition of C . parvum, 50 microgram/ml to macrophage monolayers preincubated in vitro for 22 hr . It could neither be retained nor regenerated when C . parvum was added to monolayers greater than 22-hr old . C . parvum-activated macrophages, grown under anaerobic conditions for 8 hr, retained the ability to phagocytize heat-killed Candida albicans and to exclude trypan blue dye . There was a small but significant reduction in the ability of macrophages to inhibit 3H-thymidine incorporation by target fibroblasts under anaerobic conditions . The cytotoxic effect of activated macrophages in air was not altered by the presence of catalase and was enhanced by enzymatically active superoxide dismutase . We conclude that the processes involved in macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity against allogeneic fibroblasts in this system are largely independent of oxygen.

Genetika, 1978, 14(12), 2209 - 11
{Formation of B12 auxotrophs among spontaneous streptomycin-resistant mutants of Corynebacterium glutamicum}; Vikhanskii IuD; The spontaneous mutation to streptomycin-resistance (strr) was selective for isolating the definite type of auxotrophs (B12) of grampositive bacteria, Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13032 . A correlation between the resistance to the antibiotic and the requirement of vitamin B12 of this culture is suggested.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1978, 105, 649 - 61
Microbial production of essential amino acid with Corynebacterium glutamicum mutants; Nakayama K et al.; Amino acids produced by microbial process are generally L-forms . The stereospecificity of the amino acids produced by fermentation makes the process advantageous compared with synthetic process . Microorganisms employed in microbial process for amino acid production are divided into 4 classes; wild-type strain, auxotrophic mutant, regulatory mutant and auxotrophic regulatory mutant . Using such mutants of Corynebacterium glutamicum, all the essential amino acids but L-methionine are now being produced by "direct fermentation" from cheap carbon sources such as carbohydrate materials or acetic acid.

Exp Pathol (Jena), 1978, 16(1-6), 154 - 6
Immune prophylaxis of experimental cancer by corynebacterium parvum; Wrba H; Fractionated administration of C.p . i.v . in mice at risk from sarcomas after injection of 0.2 mg MCA leads to a significant prolongation of the period of latency under certain circumstances . Experimental groups which have received the immune stimulator for 6 weeks immediately after the cancerogenic factor show the best results . After tumour manifestation there is no perceptible preventive effect of C.p.

Scand J Immunol, 1978, 8(3), 215 - 22
Corynebacterium parvum-induced peritoneal exudate cells with rapid cytolytic activity against tumour cells are non-phagocytic cells with characteristics of natural killer cells; Ojo E et al.; Peritoneal exudate cells taken from mice 3 days after intraperitoneal treatment with Corynebacterium parvum (Cp) have been shown to kill specifically certain tumour targets in vitro . We have analysed in detail such Cp-induced cytotoxic cells as to their cellular characteristics, considering the fact that size and charge characteristics of cellular subgroups are useful markers in describing their representative characteristics . We could thus show that the cytolytic cell could not be classified as a macrophage . They behaved, in every manner analysed, exactly as the previously defined natural killer cells found in the lymphoid organs of normal mice.

J Surg Oncol, 1978, 10(4), 299 - 303
Preliminary observations on the use of Corynebacterium parvum in patients with primary intracranial tumors: effect on intracranial pressure; Selker RG et al.; It has been observed that patients with metastatic brain lesions developed neurologic symptoms when given Corynebacterium parvum . To obtain more information in patients with intracranial mass lesions, intracranial pressures (ICP) were measured or observed in six patients undergoing C . parvum therapy . All patients except two (one previously shunted, one recently operated) demonstrated a profound increase in ICP . It is presumed that either edema is formed within brain and tumor tissue (inasmuch as neurologic deterioration has not been observed in patients without an intracranial lesion) or transient increases in cerebral blood flow adversely alter an already compromised intracranial volume . Surgical decompression of tumor volume or use of Lasix may abort this response to C . parvum infusion.

Microbiol Immunol, 1978, 22(3), 155 - 66
Kinetics and mechanisms of macrophage activation by Corynebacterium anaerobium; Hanazawa S et al.; Kinetics and mechanisms of macrophage activation by heat-killed Corynebacterium anaerobium (CA) in mice were investigated . The carbon clearance test revealed that the function of the reticuloendothelial system rose markedly on the 4th day after a single intravenous injection of CA and continued in a highly enhanced state until the 14th day . This activity declined gradually and dropped to a normal level around the 21st day . On the other hand, both lysosomal enzymes, beta-glucuronidase and acic phosphatase, of peritoneal macrophages decreased after the CA injection and then recovered, taking an almost inverse course to the function of the reticuloendothelial system . These results might be attributable to possible extracellular secretion of the lysosomal enzymes in accordance with macrophage activation by CA . A remarkable cytotoxicity of peritoneal macrophages, examined in vitro against L 929 cells, was detected on the 4th day following intraperitoneal administration of CA . It was maintained up to the 14th day and then declined rapidly . The mechanisms of macrophage activation by CA were also examined in vitro . CA-homogenate, heat-killed CA disrupted with an ultrasonicator, directly activated thioglycollate-induced macrophages . The macrophages were aslo activated by simultaneous treatment with both CA-homogenate and CA-sensitized spleen cells . Furthermore, the supernatant obtained from the culture of CA-sensitized spleen cells with CA-homogenate was capable of inducing activation of the macrophages . Conversely, the culture supernatant of spleen cells from CA-immunized athymic nude mice with CA-homogenate was unable to activate them . It was ascertained from the above-mentioned results that macrophages are activated initially by direct action of CA in a nonspecific way and subsequently by a soluble factor elaborated by CA-sensitized lymphocytes in an immunological way.

Int J Artif Organs, 1978 Jan, 1(1), 53 - 7
Response of malignant melanoma to plasma exchange, surgical debulking, and Corynebacterium parvum; Bottino JC et al.; A 48 year old man with extensive cutaneous and subcutaneous metastatic malignant melanoma responded to treatment by repeated plasma exchanges, partial surgical debulking of tumor masses, and intravenous Corynebacterium parvum . Circulating immune complexes were measured by the serum C1q binding method . Tumor regression coincided with serum C1q binding reduction to normal levels . Clinical relapse was preceeded by recurrent elevation of serum C1q binding activity.

Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1978, 23(3), 220 - 35
Contribution to the taxonomy of haemolytic corynebacteria; Julak J et al.; In an attempt to assess the taxonomic relationships among human (Corynebacterium haemolyticum), animal (Corynebacterium pyogenes bovis) haemolytic corynebacteria, typical corynebacteria (Corynebacterium diphteriae mitis, C . ovis, C . ulcerans) and group A and G streptococci, a number of biochemical parameters were established: the DNA content of G + C, the presence of the cytochrome system, composition of fatty acids in free lipids and production of carboxylic acids as end products of fermentation . It was found that according to the above criteria, streptococci differed significantly from the corynebacteria studied . In addition, it was possible to differentiate a subgroup of typically aerobic haemolytic corynebacteria (different from both human and animal corynebacteria), possessing a complete cytochrome system, producing propionic acid and having a different composition of fatty acids.

Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol, 1978, 57(1), 31 - 6
Thymoindependent antigentic stimulation in nude mice: response to polyvinylpyrrolidone and adjuvant effects of Corynebacterium parvum and LH1; Creau-Goldberg N et al.; The humoral thymoindependent response to polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) measured by the Farr test, was not different in athymic nude and phenotypically normal mice . In athymic and normal mice, this response was significantly increased by Cornebacterium parvum administered at the time of immunization . A recently synthetized compound, LH1 (3alpha-N-{2 aminoethanol}-amino 5-alpha-pregnane-20-one) was, however, a better immunostimulant of the anti-PVP response in athymic mice.

Jikken Dobutsu, 1978 Jan, 27(1), 17 - 20
{Serological examinations on natural infections with mouse pathogens in inbred mouse strains: difference in antibody detection among the strains (author's transl)}; Iwai H; Serological surveys on several infections were performed on the inbred mouse strains maintained at the Central Institute for Experimental Animals . In the first survey, 11 strains of mouse, which were 8 weeks of age or older and were kept in separate cages in the same animal room, were tested for antibodies to Salmonella enteritidis, Corynebacterium kutscheri, Tyzzer's organisms, Mycoplasma pulmonis, mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), Sendai virus (HVJ), pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) and minute virus of mice (MVM) . Positive results were obtained in MHV, HVJ, PVM and MVM . Positive rates for these viruses except for MVM were different among mouse strains . In the second survey, 5 strains of mouse kept together in the same cage for 4 weeks after weaning were examined for MHV and HVJ antibodies . Positive rates to MHV were different among mouse strains as observed in the first survey . For HVJ antibody, no difference was demonstrated in positive rates unlike in the first survey, but the titers varied between the strains . These results suggest the difference in antibody response to natural infections dependent on mouse strains.

Am J Vet Res, 1978 Jan, 39(1), 29 - 35
Induced staphylococcal infections in the bovine mammary gland; Postle DS et al.; In a study to develop and define a practical model of bovine mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus, induced infections were attempted in 203 bovine mammary glands of 41 cows, using 12 strains of S aureus . Approximately 100 colony-forming units of S aureus in saline solution were injected after milking, and milk samples were collected daily from test glands for 14 days to monitor the progress of infections and inflammatory responses . Relationships were examined for cow-related factors and for various characteristics of the strains of S aureus used to the development of a persistent intramammary infection . A dairy cow that was useful in this model was defined as follows: (1) the 2nd to 7th month in the 1st to 5th lactation; (2) producing milk from all mammary glands that contained less than 6 x 10(5) somatic cells/ml; and (3) having mammary glands that were free of any primary mastitis pathogen, as well as micrococci and Corynebacterium bovis . From the present study, it was not possible to define clearly a strain of S aureus which would be useful in the model, but 5 strains of S aureus were identified as being capable of producing persistent subacute infections with a high degree of repeatability.

Am J Vet Res, 1978 Jan, 39(1), 155 - 8
Pili-mediated attachment of Corynebacterium renale to mucous membrane of urinary bladder of mice; Honda E et al.; Corynebacterium renal strain 115 with numerous pili became attached in vivo to the mucous membrane of the urinary bladder of mice 10 to 30 times more frequently than did that of C renale American Type Culture Collection 19412, which showed few pili . Antipili serum-treated C renale strain 115 was not recovered from the membrane in as large amounts as was untreated bacteria . Antisomatic serum-treated strain 115, on the other hand, was recovered from the membrane in amounts similar to untreated bacteria . Untreated organisms became attached to the mucous membrane of the urinary bladder more effectively than did the antipili serum-treated bacteria, as seen on scanning electron micrographs . It may be concluded that C renale strain 115 attaches itself to the mucous membrane of the urinary bladder om mice by the pili.

Am J Vet Res, 1978 Jan, 39(1), 123 - 7
Minimal nitrogen requirements of Corynebacterium renal strains; VanEseltine WP et al.; Corynebacterium renale strain 10849 was grown in a chemically defined medium containing glucosamine, ammonium sulfate, and 5 amino acids as possible nitrogen sources . Although glucosamine was slightly stimulatory, its omission from the medium had a minimal effect on growth, and washed cells introduced into glucosamine-free medium grew readily through 10 serial transfers, demonstrating that this compound was not required for growth . Individual omissions of isoleucine, valine, methionine, and glutamine resulted in lengthened lag periods and reduced growth rates in initial transfers, but recovery occurred in subsequent serial transfers so that by the 3rd or 4th transfer, growth rates and cell crops were only slightly less than in control cultures in complete medium . Omission of cystine resulted in a permanently low growth rate and reduced cell crop, but this was remedied by substituting various nonnitrogenous compounds containing reduced sulfur . Strain 10849 and 6 additional strains were then serially cultured in a minimal defined medium in which sodium thioglycolate provided reduced sulfur and ammonium sulfate served as sole nitrogen source . Since only ammonium ion was required as the nitrogen source, it could be concluded that C renale, which rapidly hydrolyzes urea, should find an adequate source of nitrogen for growth in the urinary tract of animals.

Res Vet Sci, 1978 Jan, 24(1), 57 - 60
An indirect haemagglutination test for the sero-diagnosis of C ovis infection in sheep; Shigidi MT; An indirect haemagglutination (IHA) test for the diagnosis of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep is described; the test uses purified Corynebacterium ovis toxin to sensitise formalinised sheep erythrocytes treated with bis-diazobenzidine . Animals with titres of 1/16 and above were considered positive to the test . Examination of sera from proven cases of caseous lymphadenitis by the IHA test and anti-haemolysin-inhibition (AHI) tests showed that the IHA test was more sensitive than the AHI test.

Cancer Res, 1978 Jan, 38(1), 38 - 41
Correlation of antitumor chemoimmunotherapy with serum inhibition of tumor cell destruction; Fisher B et al.; The administration of cyclophosphamide and Corynebacterium parvum in combination results in tumor growth inhibition greater than that resulting from the use of either agent alone . The precise mechanism(s) by which this chemoimmunotherapy combination results in a synergistic inhibiting effect is not known . The possibility was entertained that the tumor effect might be related to a greater decrease in serum-mediated interference with cellular cytotoxicity, i.e., "blocking" activity, by both agents in combination rather than by either alone . The present findings fail to support such an explanation . C . parvum by itself failed to decrease serum inhibition and in conjunction with cyclophosphamide resulted in an effect that was no greater than that produced by cyclophosphamide alone.

J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Jan, 7(1), 91 - 6
Determination of Corynebacterium diphtheriae toxigenicity by a colorimetric tissue culture assay; Murphy JR et al.; Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell cultures in microtiter wells are sensitive to growth inhibition and killing by picogram quantities of diphtheria toxin . In the absence of biologically active toxin, the CHO cell culture produces sufficient acidic metabolites to change the phenol red pH indicator from pink to yellow within 56 h . In the presence of 10 pg of toxin per well, growth inhibition can be observed microscopically within 24 h . Diphtheria toxin can be qualitatively assayed from culture supernatants of Corynebacterium diphtheriae or from beta-phage agar plaque plugs . The colorimetric CHO cell assay method for determining toxigenicity allows for the large-scale screening of either diphtheria toxigenicity or antitoxin titration of sera.

Arch Ophthalmol, 1978 Jan, 96(1), 53 - 6
Diphtheria corneal ulcers; Chandler JW et al.; An adult with cutaneous diphtheria was admitted with bilateral purulent conjunctivitis and a perforated eye with most of the cornea absent due to Corynebacterium diphtheriae . At the time of admission of grayish patch of corneal epithelium was noted in the other eye, and in the next 24 hours there developed a large corneal perforation with dissolution of much of the cornea . Involvement of the external eye in diphtheria is rare but it is usually associated with cutaneous forms of the disease . Cutaneous diphtheria has been prominent in several recent outbreaks in the United States . Prompt recognition, early antibiotic treatment, and neutralization of the toxin with antitoxin are required for successful therapy.

Vet Med Nauki, 1978, 15(4), 3 - 10
{Fibrous suppurative arthritis in sheep}; Zhelev V et al.; Described are cases of fibrinous supprative arthritis in sheep characterized by thickenning of the joint, resulting from the involvement of the capsule (periarthritis) . Histopathologically, there have been suppurative and necrotic processes combined with fibrinoid necrotizing of the collagen fibers and leukocyte infiltration of the joint capsule . Slight leukocyte infiltration has also been said to occur in the parenchymal organs . Microbiologic studies have revealed the presence of pyogenous bacteria (Corynebacterium pyogenes, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pasteurella multocida).

J Immunol, 1978 Jan, 120(1), 239 - 43
Suppression of natural killer cell cytotoxicity by splenocytes from Corynebacterium parvum-injected, bone marrow-tolerant, and infant mice; Savary CA et al.; Natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity to YAC-1 lymphoma was investigated in mice tolerant to bone marrow grafts (BM-tolerant), Corynebacterium parvum- (C . parvum) treated mice, and infant mice . Also the comparison was made between the NK cell and the hemopoietic-resistance effector (HR-E) cells . It was found that the BM-tolerant mice and C . parvum-treated mice showed either no or markedly decreased NK cell cytotoxicity . These mice were also nonresponders to bone marrow grafts in vivo . The lack of or decreased reactivity was apparently caused by the regulatory cell activities of the suppressor cell since the splenocytes from C . parvum-treated and BM-tolerant mice suppressed significantly the cytotoxic activities of otherwise fully functional NK cells . Similar suppressive effect on NK cells was mounted by splenocytes from infant mice, indicating again the suppressor cell regulation of NK cell cytotoxicity.

Sex Transm Dis, 1978 Jan-Mar, 5(1), 18 - 21
Haemophilus vaginalis (Corynebacterium vaginale) vaginitis in women attending public health clinics: response to treatment with ampicillin; Rodgers HA et al.; Haemophilus vaginalis (Corynebacterium vaginale) was isolated from genital specimens from 150 women who came to a public health venereal disease clinic . Forty-six patients returned to the clinic for at least one follow-up examination . Of the returnees, 22 of 24 who initially had received adequate therapy (14 g ampicillin in seven days) were cured, compared with three of 22 who did not received adequate therapy (X2 = 25.11; P less than 0.00005) . These data included significant cure rates with adequate therapy among the 46 returnees, of whom 25 had vaginitis due to H . vaginalis only (X2 = 16.67; P less than 0.00005) and 21 had vaginitis caused by a mixture of pathogens (X2 = 5.86; P less than 0.0156) . Specimens obtained from 24 of the 46 returnees were cultured for H . vaginalis on the second visit; 19 were negative, and only five were positive . Clinical responses of the patients correlated closely with the results of culture in both treated and untreated groups (X2 = 14.23; P less than 0.00016).

Acta Microbiol Pol, 1978, 27(4), 375 - 81
Polypeptide antibiotic 26a from Bacillus subtilis . IV . Evaluation of biological in vivo activity; Jarosz J et al.; The studies performed with the antibiotic 26a, which has a close resemblance to bacitracin family polypeptide antibiotics, revealed a prominent therapeutic and protective actions . The antibiotic is characterized by a moderately low toxicity, lack of cytotoxic and cytostatic effects on several tissue cultures, and therapeutic effectiveness in lethal streptococcal infections in mice, and corynebacterial infections in guinea pigs.

Acta Microbiol Pol, 1978, 27(4), 359 - 74
Polypeptide antibiotic 26a from Bacillus subtilis . III . Physicochemical and biological in vitro properties; Jarosz J; Antibiotic 26a, a weakly basic (pK1 3.85 and pK2 7.1) polypeptide compound, has been recovered from the fermentation fluids of bacillus subtilis cultures as hydrochloride salt easily soluble in water and dimethylsulphoxide, sparingly soluble in lower alcohols and insoluble in several organic solvents . At low concentrations 26a was effective against gram-positive bacteria, mainly micrococci and corynebacteria, moderately active against mycobacteria, and inactive against gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and moulds even at 300 microgram/ml concentration . From the viewpoint of elemental analysis, electrometric titration, optical rotation, UV, IR and NMR spectra, amino acid composition, molecular weight and biological observations, 26a can be considered as an antibiotic, if not identical, then closely related to bacitracin family polypeptides.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Naturwiss, 1978, 133(6), 503 - 11
Influence of soil pH and calcium nutrition on resistance of alfalfa to bacterial and verticillium wilt; Kudela V et al.; Alfalfa plants of a resistant, a susceptible and a highly susceptible strains were grown in unlimed soil at pH 5.8 and in limed one at pH 6.9 and inoculated by the pathogens of vascular wilt, Corynebacterium insidiosum and Verticillium albo-atrum . Two types of liming were performed: 1) before inoculation and 2) after inoculation . Liming of the soil led to an increase in number of resistant plants . In susceptible plants the external symptoms of disease on the plant tops were delayed or alleviated . This phenomen was more conspicuous with Verticillium wilt than with bacterial wilt . The favourable effect of liming was less distinct in resistant strains than in susceptible ones . For an increase in resistance, post-infection liming of the soil was more effective in the case of bacterial wilt, while pre-infection liming provided the best results in the Verticillium wilt . The nitrogen content in the dry matter of roots from plants grown in limed soil was higher by more than a quarter as compared to roots from plants growing in unlimed soil.

C R Acad Sci Hebd Seances Acad Sci D, 1977 Dec 19, 285(16), 1593 - 7
{Potentiation of immunologic memory by Corynebacterium parvum and its mechanism}; Halpern B et al.; Immune response to bovine serum albumin (BSA) at dose of 2,50 mg/kg which is rather a weak immunogen in Rabbits, when given intravenous was highly potentiated when the animals received a previous single intravenous infection of 2 mg/kg of C . parvum, followed by subsequent BSA anamnestic challenges for several months . Thus, the antibody amounts synthesized following the 1st anamnestic injection (3 weeks) were 0,260 mg/ml in the control versus, 0,800 mg/ml in the C . parvum pretreated groups; following the 2nd anamnestic challenge (12 weeks afterwards) 1 mg/ml in the control versus, 2,50 mg/ml in the treated groups following the 3rd anamnestic challenge (28 weeks afterwards) 1,3 mg/ml in the control versus 5 mg/ml in the C . parvum pretreated groups; following the 4th anamnestic challenge (52 weeks afterwards) 0,300 mg/ml in the control versus 0,800 mg/ml in the C . parvum treated groups . On the whole for the four first anamnestic challenges the differences at peak levels between the control and C . parvum treated groups were about to 4 . Furthermore, the antibody molecules synthesized by the C . parvum treated animals were found to belong to IgG class . The results suggest that the immunological mechanisms mobilized are peculiar to C . parvum since they could not be reproduced either by BCG or by Freun'd adjuvant under similar conditions.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1977 Dec 15, 171(12), 1266 - 7
Effects of thin ewe syndrome on reproductive efficiency; Gates NL et al.; A debilitating condition affecting mature ewes was found to be associated with the visceral form of caseous lymphadenitis, chronic progressive pneumonia, and Corynebacterium pyogenes infections . The condition was termed thin ewe syndrome . Affected and normal ewes were compared for reproductive efficiency by breed and age; differences in reproductive efficiency between affected and normal Rambouillet and Columbia ewes were highly significant (P less than 0.01) . Although not statistically significant, the trend in Targh ee ewes was similar . There was a direct correlation between occurence of the syndrome and increasing age for all breeds.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1977 Dec 15, 171(12), 1241 - 8
Mastitis and other diseases of the goat's udder; Smith MC et al.; Udder problems of modern dairy goats are similar to those seen in dairy cows . Anomalies of the goat's udder and teats are common, and many may be hereditary . Skin diseases of the udder include viral infections, mange, sunburn, wounds, and staphylococcal dermatitis . There are numerous known causes of caprine mastitis . These include streptococci, hemolytic and nonhemolytic staphylococci, corynebacteria, and mycoplasmas . Diagnosis of mastitis in goats is often difficult, as the udder secretion may remain grossly normal and somatic cell counts in nonmastitic goats are higher than the recognized normal range for cows . The importance of nonhemolytic staphylococcal cultures remains uncertain . Nonhemolytic staphylococci were isolated at the New York State Mastitis Laboratory from 30% of normal halves and from 22% of halves of udders from goats with assorted clinical problems . Treatment and prophylaxis of caprine mastitis closely parallel the standard technique recommended for bovine mastitis.

Br J Cancer, 1977 Dec, 36(6), 777 - 82
Effect of Corynebacterium parvum on peripheral blood platelets; Jones PD et al.; The level of peripheral blood platelets was determined after i.v . injection of Corynebacterium parvum in normal C57BL mice and in those bearing the Lewis lung carcinoma . Twenty minutes after injection of a formalin-killed active strain (CN6134, (CN6134, which inhibited tumour metastases) or a killed inactive strain (CN 5888, which did not inhibit metastases) the number of circulating blood platelets was reduced by 50% . The level of platelets returned to control values by 8 h after the active, and by approximately 3 days after the inactive strain . The active strain alone caused a second and prolonged fall in platelet numbers, from approximately 16 h to 21 days after injection . Heparin given 3 X weekly to these mice restored the platelet count to normal values by 10 days after injection of active-strain C . parvum . The level of platelets in tumour-bearing mice was essentially similar to that in normal mice . Possible causes of the thrombocytopenia and the significance of platelets in metastasis are discussed.

Infect Immun, 1977 Dec, 18(3), 828 - 32
Experimental Rat model for Corynebacterium renale-induced pyelonephritis; Jerusik RJ et al.; The laboratory rat was able to serve as a model for ascending pyelonephritis after implantation of a zinc disk coated with Corynebacterium renale into the urinary bladder because it satisfied three different criteria for infection . The production of an alkaline urine and the presence of significant numbers of C . renale in the kidneys, as well as distinct pyelonephritic lesions as revealed by histological examination, were observed in all rats infected with C . renale . Control rats that harbored sterile disks in their urinary bladders exhibited none of the above effects.

Onderstepoort J Vet Res, 1977 Dec, 44(4), 253 - 5
Failure to induce in rabbits effective immunity to a mixed infection of Fusobacterium necrophorum and Corynebacterium pyogenes with a combined bacterin; Cameron CM et al.; Failure to induce in rabbits effective immunity to a mixed infection of Fusobacterium necrophorum and Corynebacterium pyogenes with a combined bacterin . Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 44 (4), 253--2;6 (1977) . Rabbits were immunized with alum-precipitated, oil adjuvant and an untreated bacterin composed of F . necrophorum and C . pyogenes . Immunized rabbits were challenged intradermally with a mixture of F . necrophorum and C . pyrogenes . Immunized rabbits were challenged intradermally with a mixture of F . necorphorum and C . pyrogenes . Initially a low level of initial transient resistance could be demonstrated but a solid immunity could not be established.

Transplantation, 1977 Dec, 24(6), 416 - 8
The reversal of established enhancement in rat cardiac allografts; Wood RF et al.; Established enhancement in rat cardiac allografts was challenged in a variety of ways in an attempt to provoke rejection . Incompatible skin grafts, injections of sensitised lymphocytes, and the administration of the macrophage-stimulating agent Corynebacterium parvum proved ineffective . However, levamisole, which stimulates both macrophages and sensitised lymphocytes, caused rejection in four of a group of six AS rats bearing enhanced (August X AS)F1 hybrid heart allografts . A combination of C . parvum and levamisole provoked rejection in all four animals in which it was used . The results suggest that an increased activity of both lymphocytes and macrophages is required to break established enhancement.

J Infect Dis, 1977 Dec, 136(6), 740 - 5
Vaginal colonization with Corynebacterium vaginale (Haemophilus vaginalis); McCormack WM et al.; Vaginal cultures for Corynebacterium vaginale and confidential questionnaires were obtained from unselected young women who consulted a gynecologist in a student health service . In all, 466 women were studied, 150 (32.2%) of whom were colonized with C . vaginale . Logit analysis defined four factors that were significantly associated with colonization with C . vaginale: nonwhite race, use of oral contraceptives, no history of marriage, and a history of pregnancy . Sexual experience had little influence on colonization; C . vaginale was isolated from 16 (29%) of 56 sexually inexperienced women and from 40 (41%) of 98 women who had had intercourse with six or more men . After a few patients with trichomoniasis were excluded, there was no association between colonization with C . vaginale and an abnormal vaginal discharge, either as reported by the participant or as noted by the examining physician.

Natl Cancer Inst Monogr, 1977 Dec, 46, 179 - 84
Treatment of an intracerebral rat brain tumor with Corynebacterium parvum and radiation; Douple EB; Rats bearing intracranial brain tumors were treated with single ip injections of the killed Corynebacterium parvum, a single dose of X-rays, or a combination of both treatments . Animals given injections of 2.6 mg C . parvum 12 days after implantation of the tumor had a median survival time (MST) of 50 days compared with an MST of 44 days for an untreated group . These animals given C . parvum had a 33% increased life-span (ILS) that was significant at the P=0.05 level . Although the MST of animals that received C . parvum 2 days before a tumor X-ray dose of 3,015 rads on day 14 was greater than that of rats given irradiation alone, the ILS of the group administered both treatments was not significant relative to the latter group . The MST of animals that received C . parvum 7 days before irradiation was not different from that of animals given injections of C . parvum 1 day postirradiation.

J Clin Microbiol, 1977 Dec, 6(6), 555 - 8
Enzymatic and hemolytic properties of Propionibacterium acnes and related bacteria; Hoeffler U; The production of chondroitin sulfatase, hyaluronidase, deoxyribonuclease, gelatinase, phosphatase, lecithinase, and hemolysins was examined in 95 strains of Propionibacterium acnes and four related species of anaerobic, respectively, microaerophilic coryneform bacteria (P . avidum, P . lymphophilum, P . granulosum, and Corynebacterium minutissimum) . All enzymes could be demonstrated in at least one representative of the species tested . Those Propionibacterium species most frequently found in acne vulgaris lesions, i.e., P . acnes and P . granulosum, proved to be the most active organisms concerning the production of the enzymes tested . P . avidum, on the other hand, showed the highest rate of hemolytic activity.

J Natl Cancer Inst, 1977 Dec, 59(6), 1751 - 3
Abrogation of antitumor effects of Corynebacterium parvum and BCG by antimacrophage agents: brief communication; Keller R; The consistently demonstrable antitumor effect of Corynebacterium parvum and BCG against a 7,12-dimethylbenz{a}anthracene-induced rat fibrosarcoma, growing either as a localized subcutaneous tumor or in ascites form, was abrogated by treatment of rats with antimacrophage agents such as silica or carrageenan.

Hautarzt, 1977 Dec, 28(12), 626 - 31
{Treatment of inflammatory and proliferative skin diseases}; Winkelmann RK; Treatment of inflammatory and proliferation dermatoses can now be accomplished with pharmacologic agents which inhibit production of mediators or their actions . The immune system can be stimulated by thymosin, imidazo drugs, BCG, corynebacterium parvum and idoxyuridine . Immune complex diseases may be treated with corticosteroids, clofazimine, sulfonamides, antimalarial drugs, and nicotinic acid . Low dose, safe immunosuppressive therapy can successfully control scleromyxedema, guttate parapsoriasis, histiocytosis X, Kaposi's sarcoma, and Sezary syndrome.

MMW Munch Med Wochenschr, 1977 Nov 18, 119(46), 1497 - 1500
{Problems of cancer immunotherapy (author's transl)}; Gericke D; Active immunization has received a new impulse most recently through the treatment of tumor cells with the enzyme neuraminidase from Vibrio cholerae . There is no passive specific immunotherapy in humans . In the field of unspecific active immunotherapy there are very many, partly contradictory, findings, especially with BCG, Corynebacterium parvum and preparations from these and other organisms . A cellularly transmitted immunity has been attempted, but so far without very encouraging results . It must be emphasized that all these statements refer to humans.

J Exp Med, 1977 Nov 1, 146(5), 1461 - 6
Expression of a new cell surface antigen on activated murine macrophages; Kaplan AM et al.; A macrophage cell-surface antigen associated with pyran and Corynebacterium parvum-activated macrophages and P388D1 cells but not detectable on normal or glycogen and thioglycollate-elicited murine macrophages has been described . The antigen was demonstrated both by complement-mediated cytotoxicity and immunofluorescence, using an appropriately absorbed rabbit antiserum to P388D1 . This antiserum should enable the characterization of activated macrophage cell populations on an individual cell basis and should be a useful probe to study the interactions of macrophages with tumor cells and the relationship of activation to cell-surface changes.

Clin Exp Immunol, 1977 Nov, 30(2), 229 - 32
The complications of intravenous Corynebacterium parvum infusion; Gill PG et al.; 100 intravenous infusions of Corynebacterium parvum were given to thirty-six patients at a dose of 5 mg/m2 . Fever and rigors occurred in all patients but these acute side effects were acceptable to all but two patients . Seventeen patients suffered a delayed fall in blood pressure, which was marked in eight of them but was generally well tolerated . One patient died 18 hr after infusion from extensive myocardial infarction . Herpes labialis complicated the first infusion in nine instances, which may reflect transient immunosuppression following immunotherapy.

J Med Microbiol, 1977 Nov, 10(4), 439 - 45
Rapid identification of cell wall components as a guide to the classification of aerobic coryneform bacteria from human skin; Pitcher DG; In a survey of over 1000 isolates of aerobic skin coryneforms from a wide variety of sources, chromatographic methods were used to identify the major cell-wall components in whole-cell hydrolysates . Most of the skin isolates-like members of the genus Corynebacterium--possessed meso-diaminopimelic acid and arabinose . However, substantial numbers of coryneforms apparently resident on the skin did not have this pattern; the sites from which they were isolated suggested that some were derived from the environment whilst others (possessing meso-DAP and galactose but not arabinose as the major wall components) were members of the resident skin flora.

J Infect Dis, 1977 Nov, 136(5), 655 - 60
Bacteriophage typing of Corynebacterium diphtheriae; Toshach S et al.; Bacteriophage types of over 3,000 strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae isolated in Canada have been determined . The typing scheme used involved the use of nine phages . Results indicated that phage types correlate with biotypes to a large degree . Corynecin types were also determined for a limited number of cultures, and results indicated that the indicator strains presently available are unsuitable for the typing of C . diphtheriae strains isolated in North America . The distribution of phage types is similar throughout Canada, and the types present correspond to types reported from other countries . Phage typing could be of value in the study of circumscribed outbreaks and in epidemiological surveillance of types over long periods.

Cancer Res, 1977 Nov, 37(11), 4150 - 5
Antitumor activity of Propionibacterium acnes (Corynebacterium parvum) and isolated cytoplasmic fractions; Millman I et al.; The tumor-inhibitory effect of an intralesional injection of Propionibacterium acnes was of limited duration ("finite") . Our model was the DBA/2 syngeneic mouse injected with P815 mastocytoma cells (5 X 10(5)) into each rear footpad; only the left was treated, leaving the right as a "pseudometastasis." The finite effect occurred at approximately 21 days after the first treatment . Subsequent i.p . treatments with P . acnes did not alter this effect, although they increased mean survival time . With one footpad tumor, we achieved 22% cures with complete regression and no sign of metastatic growth . A RNA fraction from P . acnes produced inhibition of tumor growth, but crude cell walls and cell walls treated with Pronase had no effect . A P . acnes cytoplasmic fraction with tumor-inhibitory activity was pelleted by high-speed centrifugation; this fraction inhibited P815 mastocytoma as fully as whole cells injected in one-fifth the dose on a nitrogen basis and did not cause a local inflammatory reaction . The activity of the pellet also differed from whole cells in that it was equally inhibitory to the pseudometastasis in the contralateral right rear footpad . The cytoplasmic fraction apparently contained at least two active components since activity was obtained at two dilution levels . Such activity was relatively stable at 5 degrees, but it was unstable at -30 degrees.

Infect Immun, 1977 Nov, 18(2), 356 - 62
Immunological and chemical characterization of the extracellular antigens from Corynebacterium vaginale; Smaron MF et al.; Supernatants from 72-h peptone-starch-dextrose broth cultures of Corynebacterium vaginale contained significant quantities of three extracellular, soluble antigens (ESA) . The ESA were concentrated and partially purified by dialysis followed by ammonium sulfate and ethanol precipitation . Diethylaminoethylcellulose columns were used to isolate two of the three ESA . The ESA were shown to be similar to antigens found on whole C . vaginale cells . Absorption studies indicated that the cell antigens are located at, or near, the surface . On the bases of heat stability, resistance to protease treatment, concanavalin A binding activity, and susceptibility to periodate, it appears that all three ESA are polysaccharide or glycoprotein in nature.

J Fam Pract, 1977 Nov, 5(5), 747 - 50
Acne vulgaris: recent advances in pathogenesis and treatment; Caro I; Hormonal factors, particularly androgens, appear to be important in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris . The sebaceous glands in acne are more sensitive to normal blood levels of androgens, and are stimulated to produce more sebum . Corynebacterium acnes in the sebaceous follicles act on triglycerides in the sebum to form free fatty acids which might alter the process of keratinization in the follicular canal . A microcomedo is formed which can progress to the clinical lesions of acne . Sebum and its components may also be inflammatory if released into the skin . There are, however, still a number of unanswered questions relating to acne pathogenesis . Currently, therapy of acne vulgaris revolves around topical benzoyl peroxide and retinoic acid and systemic tetracyclines . Benzoyl peroxide and tetracyclines are antibacterial while retinoic acid is comedolytic . Because of these different actions, combined therapy appears to be more effective (benzoyl peroxide and/or tetracyclines together with retinoic acid) . Topical antibiotics show promise as new therapeutic agents.

Osterr Z Onkol, 1977 Oct 20, 4(2-3), 60 - 1
Active experimental inhibition of cancer by corynebacterium parvum; Wrba H et al.; It has been demonstrated that 5 microgram Corynebacterium parvum (Merieux, Lyon) applied i.v . once weekly in mice of the strain C 3 H X Swiss Albino F 1 after three pregnancies effectively inhibits tumour growth . At this time those mice are 100% at risk . The appearance of tumours in the treated group is significantly delayed.

JAMA, 1977 Oct 17, 238(16), 1737 - 40
Corynebacterium sepsis in oncology patients . Predisposing factors, diagnosis, and treatment; Pearson TA et al.; Bacteremia due to a newly described species of Corynebacterium was identified in 12 patients during a two-year period . Infection occurred after a long period of hospitalization, extended granulocytopenia, and treatment with several antibiotics . Breaks in the mucocutaneous surfaces were the origin of infection in eight patients . All patients had evidence of colonization reported by cultures before infection . The invading organism caused death in three patients . Vancomycin hydrochloride was the antibiotic of choice . Corynebacterium is increasingly recognized as a primary cause of morbidity and mortality of patients with tumors.

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