Bactericidal

J Periodontol, 1993 May, 64(5), 379 - 86
A possible late onset variation of Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome: report of 3 cases; Brown RS et al.; Three unusual cases of Papillon-Lefevre syndrome with late onset of features and relatively mild periodontal disease are presented . These examples confirm some of the late onset of features and mild periodontal presentation of a previous case report . Bacteriologic associations, polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotactic, phagocytic, and bactericidal activity, and therapeutics with regard to this syndrome are discussed.

Infect Immun, 1993 May, 61(5), 2211 - 5
Biochemical and immunological properties of two forms of pertactin, the 69,000-molecular-weight outer membrane protein of Bordetella pertussis; Gotto JW et al.; Two apparent isoforms of the virulence-associated 69,000-molecular-weight protein pertactin were purified from Bordetella pertussis . Mass spectrometry showed a difference of 2,060 Da, which may result from differential C-terminal cleavage of a larger precursor . Both forms were protective in a mouse model, eliciting bactericidal antibodies and reducing respiratory tract colonization.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1993 May, 31 Suppl D, 71 - 85
Experimental endocarditis: a review of its relevance to human endocarditis; Carbon C; Bacterial endocarditis is a difficult-to-cure infection, owing to (i) poor penetration of antibiotics into infected vegetations; (ii) altered metabolic state of bacteria within the lesion; (iii) absence of adequate host-defence cellular response which could cooperate with antibiotic action . The contribution of infection models to definition and improvement of therapeutic regimens of endocarditis in man remains of great importance because of the difficulties encountered in clinical trials . The advantage of the experimental model is that besides the fact that it closely simulates the characteristics of the infection in humans, it provides clear endpoints which allow statistical comparisons among different therapeutic regimens: number of bacteria/g of tissue, frequency of emergence of resistance, positivity of blood cultures, death vs survival rates, and percentage of relapses after treatment has been stopped . All these parameters are more sensitive and more easy to use than in man . The infection model has definitively established that bactericidal therapy is warranted and that in-vitro susceptibility tests, especially those evaluating the killing rate, have a good predictive value for the therapeutic outcome . Three main aspects are discussed for their influence on human therapy (i) the kinetics of antibiotic diffusion into vegetations, with a special reference to the data obtained by autoradiography, (ii) the specificity of some pharmacodynamic aspects of antibiotics in endocarditis, including the clinical consequences of these two parameters on antibiotic dosing regimens and length of therapy, and (iii) in-vivo synergy . This phenomenon involves a variety of mechanisms which are difficult or even impossible to analyse on the sole basis of in-vitro data: enhanced bactericidal activity (beta-lactam-aminoglycoside), prevention of emergence of resistance (as demonstrated for rifampin, quinolones or fosfomycin) and, as shown with rifampin or quinolones, 'pharmacokinetic synergy' . Animal models have helped to define the importance of antibiotic dosing strategies to achieve in-vivo synergy which appears as essential to increase the rate of both bacteriological and clinical cure rate.

Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1993 May, 67(5), 473 - 81
{Influence of cisplatinum on activated oxygen generations by leukocytes}; Igarashi H; We investigated the activated oxygen generations by leukocytes in the presence of cisplatinum, an antitumor agent, in order to elucidate the influence of cisplatinum on leukocytes function in vitro and in vivo . In the in vitro study, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and monocytes were prepared from a normal volunteer . After stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or opsonized zymosan, activated oxygen generations by PMNs or monocytes were measured by means of chemiluminescence method in the presence or absence of cisplatinum . The concentrations of cisplatinum were adjusted at 0.5, 5.0 and 50 micrograms/ml, and the medium pH also varied at that time . Activated oxygen generations by PMNs and monocytes were reduced significantly in the platinum concentration dependent manner in the pH range from 6.0 to 6.5 . On the other hand, in the pH range from 8.3 to 8.8, the activated oxygen generations were not affected by cisplatinum at all . In the in vivo study, we administered 1.25 mg of cisplatinum to male wistar rats intravenously, and prepared whole blood at 4, 12 and 24 hours after administration of cisplatinum . And activated oxygen generations by whole blood were measured in the same manner . The numbers of leukocytes were also counted at the same time . As compared to the control group without administration of cisplatinum, no significant difference was observed in the leukocytes counts at 12 and 24 hours after the administration . However, the activated oxygen generations by whole blood were reduced in the cisplatinum-administration group . These results indicate that the bactericidal activities of leukocytes were immediately reduced before bone marrow suppression by cisplatinum, and the prevention of acidosis in the patients receiving cisplatinum might be important in order to keep the bactericidal activities of leukocytes.

Lik Sprava, 1993 May-Jun, (5-6), 123 - 6
{A method for the differential diagnosis of chronic persistent hepatitis and liver cirrhosis}; Moshchych VP et al.; With a view to increase the accuracy of the differential diagnosis of chronic diseases of liver--chronic persistent hepatitis and initial manifestation of hepatic cirrhosis--the method based on the determination of general bactericidal activity of neutrophils is suggested . Cytochemical reaction on cationic proteins and nitroblue tetrazolium reduction with the blood of patients having the signs of liver lesion provide data for the calculation of the integral cytochemical activity of blood neutrophils . Values fluctuating from 4.0 to 6.0 indicate hepatic cirrhosis while their exceeding 7.0 may serve as an evidence of chronic persistent hepatitis.

FEBS Lett, 1993 Apr 26, 321(2-3), 145 - 8
Microcin E492 forms ion channels in phospholipid bilayer membrane; Lagos R et al.; Microcin E492, a polypeptide antibiotic, has been shown to have an M(r) of 6,000 by urea-SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the fluorescently labelled compound . It is known that the bactericidal action of microcin involves a loss of the transmembrane potential . In this study we show that microcin forms cation-selective channels in planar phospholipid bilayers . The channels have two main conductance states the current-voltage curves of which rectify . The reversal potentials measured under biionic conditions indicate a permeability sequence of NH4+ > K+ = Rb+ = Cs+ > Na+ = Na+ = Li+ > Tris+ . The results suggest that membrane potential dissipation induced by microcin is a consequence of the formation of pores in the bacterial membrane.

Immunol Lett, 1993 Apr, 36(1), 43 - 9
Regulation of macrophage function by human recombinant myeloperoxidase; Lefkowitz DL et al.; Myeloperoxidase is an enzyme which is found in the azurophilic granules of neutrophils and is associated with bactericidal, fungicidal, and tumoricidal activity . The present studies show that human recombinant myeloperoxidase (rec-MyPo) can regulate a number of macrophage (M phi) capacities and functions . Macrophages from mice exposed to rec-MyPo in vitro released reactive oxygen intermediates, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), and interferon alpha/beta (IFN alpha/beta) . Enhanced target cell killing was also demonstrated with TNF alpha sensitive but not TNF alpha insensitive cells . Intravenous injection of rec-MyPo induced high titers of systemic TNF alpha and IFN alpha/beta . These results indicate that MyPo can function as an immunomodulator both in vitro and in vivo . Because of these actions, it is apparent that MyPo represents a previously unrecognized endogenous immunomodulator.

Avian Dis, 1993 Apr-Jun, 37(2), 366 - 74
Effects of chicken anemia virus on cell-mediated immune function in chickens exposed to the virus by a natural route; McConnell CD et al.; Three-week-old chicks were inoculated orally with CAV and killed at various times postinoculation (PI) . The spleens were removed, the cells were stimulated with concanavalin A, and lymphocyte transformation responses were determined . Supernatants from these cultures were also assayed for T-cell growth factor (TCGF) and interferon . Adherent macrophages from spleen or bone marrow were assayed for interleukin-1 production, Fc receptor expression, phagocytosis, and bactericidal activity . All CAV-inoculated chickens developed CAV antibodies, but no anemia was seen . Controls remained CAV-antibody-negative throughout the experiment . CAV-inoculated chickens showed significant differences from controls in their lymphocyte transformation responses and in production of TCGF and interferon . Differences were greatest at 14, 21, and 28 days PI . Significant differences were also observed in interleukin-1 production by spleen macrophages, as well as in Fc receptor expression, phagocytosis, and bactericidal activity of bone-marrow macrophages.

Avian Dis, 1993 Apr-Jun, 37(2), 358 - 65
Effects of chicken anemia virus on macrophage function in chickens; McConnell CD et al.; One-day-old chicks were inoculated intramuscularly with chicken anemia virus (CAV) . Four birds were killed at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 42 days postinoculation (PI), and macrophages were recovered from spleen and bone-marrow suspensions . These were tested for interleukin-1 (IL-1) production, Fc receptor expression, phagocytosis, and bactericidal activity . Macrophages recovered from uninoculated chickens at the same sample times, and exposed to CAV in vitro, were also tested . IL-1 production, Fc receptor expression, phagocytosis, and bactericidal activity were significantly lower in all macrophage cultures from CAV-inoculated chickens, and in cultures exposed to the virus in vitro, than in uninfected controls.

Ginekol Pol, 1993 Apr, 64(4), 197 - 203
{Effect of immunomodulators on selected functions of neonatal polymorphonuclear neutrophils in vitro}; Wysocki H et al.; Phagocytosis, bactericidal capacity, production of superoxide anions O2- and expression of receptor for the Fc portion of IgG of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) were estimated in umbilical venous blood of neonates and their mothers . We also evaluated the influence of immunomodulating agents on these parameters . The influence of the maternal serum on the function of neonatal PMN was examined . The obtained results indicate that functional defect of neonatal PMN may be corrected under the influence of the maternal serum and/or immunomodulating agents.

Pathol Biol (Paris), 1993 Apr, 41(4), 349 - 57
{Evaluation of a micromethod for the bactericidal activity of five disinfectants on 108 hospital strains}; Dusseau JY et al.; The authors studied 5 disinfectants containing aldehyde and quaternary ammonium against 108 hospital strains . The minimal bactericidal activities (MBC) were determined with a microdilution method and the dilution-neutralization method (AFNOR T 72-150) . The microdilution method results were validated using the MBCs of four reference strains tested with the dilution-neutralization method (AFNOR T 72-150) . 3 disinfectants proved to be valuable . 1 disinfectant was valuable but with a MBC toward all bacteria only a dilution away from the dilution of use . 1 disinfectant was determined as unsatisfactory as 9.5 p . cent of all strains proved resistant toward it . All disinfectants matched AFNOR standards; but those specifications did not match toward hospital strains . Such an evaluation using a simple and reliable method should be of use.

Pathol Biol (Paris), 1993 Apr, 41(4), 317 - 22
{Ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, rifampin: in vitro bactericidal activity of double and triple drug combinations against strains of atypical mycobacteria}; Ximenes E et al.; Bactericidal activity of ciprofloxacin (CIP), clarithromycin (CLA), rifampin (RIF) alone and in combinations was studied against five atypical mycobacteria (4 isolates from patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and 1 collection strain) by time killing curves method . Drugs were used at their attainable serum levels: CIP (1 microgram/ml), CLA (2 micrograms/ml), RIF (16 micrograms/ml) . The decrease in CFU in comparison to inoculum (10(6)-10(7) CFU/ml) was evaluated by viable counts after 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 days of incubation at 35-37 degrees C . Drug combinations enhanced slightly the killing of drugs alone . CIP+CLA was the most effective against MAC strains whereas CIP+RIF appeared as the best combination against rapidly growing species except M . phlei which was the most resistant strain.

J Hosp Infect, 1993 Apr, 23(4), 255 - 62
The efficacy of a hospital dry cleaning cycle in disinfecting material contaminated with bacteria and viruses; Bates CJ et al.; It is not known how efficiently a standard dry cleaning cycle can kill bacteria or viruses . In-situ experiments were carried out to determine the cidal activity of such a cycle using perchloroethylene solvent against five clinical bacterial isolates and a DNA bacteriophage . Viable counts of bacteria recovered from material after dry cleaning were reduced by 3-8 logs, with up to 10(3) colony forming units (cfu) surviving per strip . Numbers of bacteriophage were only reduced by 10-100 fold . The resistance of the bacteriophage to solvent and heat (60 degrees C) was compared with that of polio and herpes simplex viruses in vitro . Polio virus and bacteriophage, but not herpes simplex virus, survived exposure to perchloroethylene at room temperature for 40 min . Dry cleaning with perchloroethylene is not bactericidal and is particularly poorly virucidal for non-enveloped viruses.

Stomatologiia (Mosk), 1993 Apr-Jun, 72(2), 10 - 3
{The use of taktivin in experimental apical periodontitis exacerbated by a secondary immunodeficiency state}; Zyrianov GV et al.; Apical periodontitis was simulated in 100 white rats with secondary immunodeficiency induced by a single total x-ray irradiation with the RUM {correction of PYM}-17 device . Nonspecific resistance of the rat body was assessed from the neutrophilic phagocytic activity, serum bactericidal activity, lysozyme and complement levels . These parameters were found reduced in the experimental animals; x-ray examinations revealed changes round the dental root apices . Daily injections of tactivin for 10 days in a dose 2-5 mg/kg b.m . resulted in elevation of the nonspecific resistance parameters, and the x-ray picture in this group of animals was the same as in intact controls; therefore, tactivin normalized the immunity system status and indirectly improved the clinical course of apical periodontitis.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1993 Mar, 31 Suppl C, 51 - 64
Modulation of human polymorphonuclear neutrophil function by macrolides: preliminary data concerning dirithromycin; Labro MT et al.; Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) play a prominent role in the host response to infectious diseases . One major bactericidal mechanism used by these cells is the production of reactive oxygen species during what is referred to as the oxidative burst . However, excessive oxidant generation can also be involved in cell and tissue damage associated with severe inflammatory reactions . Macrolide antibiotics are able to penetrate and concentrate within phagocytes and have been successfully used to treat infections due to facultative intracellular pathogens . However, intracellular accumulation of macrolides with possible alkalinization of cellular compartments may interfere with normal cell function . In-vitro and ex-vivo data suggest that macrolides affect various phagocytic functions . This paper presents an overview of the published data concerning the modulation of neutrophil function by macrolides . Preliminary data concerning the in-vitro modulation of the neutrophil oxidative burst by dirithromycin and its metabolite, erythromycylamine, are also discussed.

Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis, 1993 Mar, 61(1), 66 - 9
Sparfloxacin is more bactericidal than ofloxacin against Mycobacterium leprae in mice; Franzblau SG et al.; The comparative bactericidal activities of sparfloxacin and ofloxacin against Mycobacterium leprae in mice were determined using the proportional bactericidal test at doses of 12.5 mg/kg-100 mg/kg . Significant bactericidal activity was found at 12.5 mg/kg sparfloxacin and 25 mg/kg ofloxacin . Sparfloxacin was significantly more bactericidal than ofloxacin at all doses, and the results with 25 mg/kg sparfloxacin were nearly identical to those obtained with 100 mg/kg ofloxacin . These results, together with pharmacokinetic and toxicological data in mice and man, suggest that sparfloxacin may have a higher therapeutic index than ofloxacin in leprosy, and that the tentative standard dosage of 200 mg sparfloxacin daily should be appropriate for a clinical trial.

Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis, 1993 Mar, 61(1), 59 - 65
Clarithromycin is bactericidal against strains of Mycobacterium leprae resistant and susceptible to dapsone and rifampin; Walker LL et al.; The anti-Mycobacterium leprae activity of clarithromycin when administered alone and in combination with rifampin and dapsone in the diet was determined using the kinetic method of drug evaluation in mice . Clarithromycin when administered at a concentration of 0.1% (w/w) in the diet completely prevented growth of 2 pan-susceptible, 3 dapsone-resistant, 2 rifampin-resistant, and 2 rifampin and dapsone double resistant strains of M . leprae . A 0.03% (w/w) concentration also completely prevented growth of M . leprae in all mice infected with 2 of 7 strains tested, but in only some of the mice infected with the remaining 5 strains . No antagonistic drug interactions were observed between clarithromycin and dapsone or rifampin . The addition of clarithromycin to the currently recommended multidrug regimen should improve the rate of killing of M . leprae and help to prevent the growth of dapsone-resistant and rifampin-resistant strains.

Ann Pharmacother, 1993 Mar, 27(3), 351 - 7
Aminoglycoside dosing considerations in intensive care unit patients; Watling SM et al.; OBJECTIVE: Factors affecting aminoglycoside dosing requirements in critically ill adult patients were reviewed . DATA SOURCES: A literature search was performed from 1979 to 1992 and articles pertaining to aminoglycoside dosing were obtained . STUDY SELECTION: Only studies appearing in peer-reviewed journals were selected . Topics selected included: bactericidal kill kinetics, once-daily dosing regimens, critical illness, toxicity, aminoglycosides, intensive care unit, and lung penetration . CONCLUSIONS: Studies suggest that larger initial aminoglycoside doses are necessary in critically ill patients (tobramycin/gentamicin 3 mg/kg or amikacin 9 mg/kg) to achieve adequate peak serum concentrations . Current studies have not shown an increase in the incidence of aminoglycoside toxicity when using these larger initial doses . Follow-up monitoring is dependent upon the patient's physiology and risk factors for aminoglycoside-induced toxicity.

Anesteziol Reanimatol, 1993 Mar-Apr, (2), 50 - 2
{Ultraviolet irradiation of autologous blood in suppurative-inflammatory diseases in critically ill newborn infants}; Mezhirova NM et al.; The use of ultraviolet autoblood irradiation in pyoinflammatory diseases has been analysed in 52 critically ill newborns . The data obtained indicate that ultraviolet autoblood irradiation has a correcting impact on homeostasis due to bactericidal, oxygenating and detoxicating effect of the procedure.

Diabetes, 1993 Mar, 42(3), 470 - 3
Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor improves an impaired bactericidal function in neutrophils from STZ-induced diabetic rats; Sato N et al.; To evaluate whether G-CSF improves an impaired production of oxygen-derived free radicals in diabetic neutrophils, we studied the effect of G-CSF on chemiluminescence amplified by a luciferin analog (CLA-DCL) and luminol (L-DCL) in response to fMLP in neutrophils from STZ-induced diabetic rats . Both CLA-DCL and L-DCL in diabetic neutrophils were significantly reduced, and L-DCL was more sensitive to this inhibition than CLA-DCL . G-CSF did not change the basal chemiluminescence in either control or diabetic neutrophils, but it apparently primed CLA-DCL and L-DCL . Although, in diabetic neutrophils, the priming effect of G-CSF to both CLA-DCL and L-DCL was less compared with that in control neutrophils, L-DCL was more sensitive than CLA-DCL to this priming effect . Because bacterial infection is still an important cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients, these data suggest that G-CSF may be useful as a drug to prevent the aggravation of bacterial infection in diabetic patients.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1993 Feb 15, 190(3), 681 - 7
Presence of a serine protease in the complement-activating component of the complement-dependent bactericidal factor, RaRF, in mouse serum; Takahashi A et al.; A 100-kDa protein was isolated from the complement-activating component of mouse Ra-reactive factor . It generated a 29-kDa chain upon reduction . Partial amino acid sequences of the 29-kDa chain were determined after fragmentation with CNBr . A 386-bp-long probe was synthesized by the polymerase chain reaction with oligonucleotide primers designed by reference to the amino acid sequence . Using this probe, we cloned a 3.7-kb DNA from a mouse liver cDNA library . The amino acid sequence of the 29-kDa chain deduced from the nucleotide sequence of this cDNA was consistent with the amino acid sequences determined . The full sequence was found to have characteristics of a serine protease and exhibited 29% and 30% homologies with those of light chains of the C1r and C1s subcomponents of complement, respectively.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1993 Feb, 31 Suppl B, 23 - 33
Antibiotics and neutrophil function--potential immunomodulating activities; Gemmell CG; The advent of cytokines as possible therapeutic agents has stimulated investigation of old and new antibiotics for their potential activity as immunomodulators over and above their primary bactericidal or bacteristatic activity . Such investigations have focused largely on in-vitro functions of peripheral blood cells such as polymorphonuclear leucocytes and monocytes . Graded doses of various antibiotics have been tested for their ability to affect functions such as chemotaxis, phagocytic ingestion and killing, as well as particular biochemical mechanisms, such as a generation of superoxide . These drugs have been shown to have no effect on host defences (beta-lactams), or depress immune function (tetracyclines and teicoplanin), or display synergy with the immune system (macrolides and quinolones), or enhance immune function (certain cephalosporins) . In several instances, biological activity has been demonstrated at drug concentrations outside the therapeutic range . In addition, it has been recognized that a number of drugs can be concentrated within the phagocytic cells and, by so doing, are transported to the site of infection with consequent increased efficacy . It has also been demonstrated that subinhibitory concentrations of certain drugs can influence bacterial expression of structural and soluble virulence factors . Alterations of this kind have been shown to potentiate bacterial susceptibility to phagocytosis . Notwithstanding these in-vitro examples of immunomodulation, definite proof of clinical benefit is still lacking.

Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol, 1993 Feb, 8(2), 193 - 200
Defensins reduce the barrier integrity of a cultured epithelial monolayer without cytotoxicity; Nygaard SD et al.; Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) contribute to epithelial injury at sites of inflammation, but their mechanisms of action are incompletely understood . PMN can injure target tissues by oxidative and nonoxidative mechanisms . Included in the nonoxidative mechanisms are defensins (DEF), small (3.5 to 4.0 kD), arginine- and cysteine-rich polypeptides . DEF are bactericidal, fungicidal, viricidal, and tumoricidal, but their ability to contribute to inflammatory injury has not been extensively evaluated . One marker of inflammatory injury is disrupted epithelial barrier integrity . Using Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial monolayers, we measured the effect of both human and rabbit DEF on barrier integrity using mannitol permeability (Pmann) and transepithelial electrical resistance (Rt) . Human DEF (HNP1-3, 2:2:1 molar ratio) increased Pmann in a time- and concentration-dependent manner and Rt fell progressively over a 48-h period after exposure of monolayers to HNP1-3 . Rabbit DEF peptide 1 (NP-1) also increased Pmann, but rabbit peptide 5 (NP-5) had no effect on Pmann . To investigate the role of charge, HNP1-3 was added to the monolayers with the polyanions heparin or sulfated dextran . Heparin and sulfated dextran only partially inhibited the increase in Pmann . Fetal bovine serum (FBS), however, completely inhibited the effect of HNP1-3, but this protection was only partially explained by the anionic protein, albumin . The FBS protection was time dependent and was present when FBS was added up to 16 h after exposure to HNP1-3 . While both HNP1-3 and NP-1 increased epithelial permeability, neither were cytolytic to MDCK cells as measured by lactate dehydrogenase release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Obstet Gynecol, 1993 Feb, 81(2), 255 - 60
Achievement of therapeutic concentrations of cefuroxime in early preterm gestations with premature rupture of the membranes; De Leeuw JW et al.; OBJECTIVE: To determine whether therapeutic cefuroxime concentrations can be achieved in maternal plasma, amniotic fluid (AF), neonatal plasma, placenta, and membranes in women with premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) at 27-33 weeks' gestation . METHODS: In an open nonrandomized, dose-response study, nine patients with PROM at 27-33 weeks' gestation received 1.5 g of cefuroxime intravenously three times daily . Maternal plasma and AF specimens were collected during pregnancy, and umbilical cord plasma, placenta, and membrane specimens were collected after delivery to assay cefuroxime concentrations using high-performance liquid chromatography . RESULTS: A high rate of placental transfer of cefuroxime was found . Bactericidal concentrations could be demonstrated in maternal plasma and in AF leaking from the vagina . A concentration-time curve in AF could be detected, with a peak concentration 3-4 hours after infusion . Therapeutically active levels were present in the newborns . The resorption of cefuroxime by the fetal membranes was high . CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic concentrations of cefuroxime were found in all body fluids and tissues studied . Further study to establish the clinical utility of cefuroxime prophylaxis in PROM seems appropriate.

Rev Med Interne, 1993 Feb, 14(2), 117 - 20
{Malacoplakia . Apropos of a case of retroperitoneal site}; Coutant G et al.; Malacoplakia is a granulomatous inflammatory disease caused by a disorder of macrophage bactericidal function . The disease, histologically characterized by the presence of Michaelis-Gutmann bodies, has a preference for the urogenital tract and less frequently affects the gastrointestinal tract and the retroperitoneal region . We report the unusual case of a male patient who presented with retroperitoneal pseudotumoral malacoplakia associated with vesical malacoplakia . The main pathophysiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of this rare disease are described.

Pol Tyg Lek, 1993 Feb 1-8, 48(5-6), 120 - 2
{Evaluation of phagocytic and bactericidal activities of neutrophils in peripheral blood of patients with anemia due to iron deficit}; Hrycek A et al.; Phagocytic and bactericidal properties of neutrophils have been evaluated in 20 women with anemia due to iron deficit . Twenty healthy women in corresponding age and domicile served as a control group . No statistically significant difference in both phagocytic and bactericidal properties of peripheral blood neutrophils have been noted in both groups . A decrease in plasma bactericidal activity has been sen in patients with anemia due to iron deficit . It may be one of the causes of increased susceptibility to infections noted in patients with plasma iron deficit.

Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1993 Feb, 115(2), 168 - 9
{The effect of a natural complex of cytokines on oxygen-dependent function of rat vaginal phagocytes}; Rubleva KI et al.; Our investigation consisted in 10-days treatment of vaginal mucous membrane wounds in white not inbred rats by introduction of natural cytokines complex into the vagina . At the same time the dynamics of vaginal phagocytes oxygen-depended function change was studied . We have ascertained the activating influence of the cytokines complex on the phagocytes chemiluminescence (CL) that found expression in 2.5-7 times fold augmentation of the CL intensity in comparison with control level (an equal portion of Medium--199 was introduced in the vagina of control-group rats) . Having ended the application of the cytokines complex we have observed a rather fast normalization of the cells' activity (by the 15-17 days), consequently the cytokines did not have a distant effect on the oxygen-depended phagocytes function . We consider the activation of the phagocytes in wound as well as the bactericidal effect of the oxygen free radicals generated by the phagocytes as positive result.

Clin Ther, 1993, 15 Suppl A, 44 - 9
Use of pharmacodynamic concepts in developing a cost-effective dosing method for piperacillin; Quintiliani R et al.; Because they were almost always used in combination with an aminoglycoside, piperacillin and mezlocillin were considered therapeutic alternatives at Hartford Hospital, a 900-bed teaching facility . To determine an appropriate comparative dose, the bactericidal activities of 5 gm of mezlocillin and 4 gm and 3 gm of piperacillin were compared . The results demonstrated that 4 gm of piperacillin possessed stronger bactericidal activity than either 3 gm of piperacillin or 5 gm of mezlocillin . Hartford Hospital has since approved an antibiotic management program using 4 gm of piperacillin every 8 hours, thereby reducing the daily cost of antibiotic therapy . The modified program offers the hospital measurable cost savings without jeopardizing the quality of care.

Annu Rev Med, 1993, 44, 103 - 20
Pathogenesis and pathophysiology of bacterial meningitis; Tunkel AR et al.; Despite the availability of bactericidal antibiotics with potent in vitro activity against the major meningeal pathogens, the morbidity and mortality from bacterial meningitis remains unacceptably high . Animal models have proven to be extremely valuable in the study of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of bacterial meningitis, with the hopes of providing new information that may lead to an improved outcome from this disorder . Bacterial meningitis usually begins with nasopharyngeal colonization by a new organism, followed by invasion and bacteremia . Subsequently there is central nervous system invasion, although the exact site and mechanism of meningeal invasion are unknown . The generation of an intense subarachnoid space inflammatory response, induced by release of bacterial virulence factors and/or inflammatory cytokines, contributes to many of the pathophysiologic consequences of bacterial meningitis, including cerebral edema, increased intracranial pressure, and alterations of cerebral blood flow . Attenuation of this inflammatory response (e.g . by co-administration of antiinflammatory agents) may diminish many of these pathophysiologic consequences of meningitis, and perhaps improve morbidity and mortality from this disorder.

Rev Prat, 1993 Jan 1, 43(1), 54 - 8
{Antibiotic treatment of septic states}; Brun-Buisson C; The antibiotic therapy in septic syndrome is most often empiric . Decisions and antibiotic choices should result from a careful analysis of past history and setting (hospital-acquired infections vs community acquired infections), risk factors specific to the host, and characteristics of the suspected infections focus: direct examination of body fluid specimens should be obtained rapidly to guide the empiric choice . The choice of antibiotics should conform to usual guidelines, with the aim of a rapid bactericidal effect in blood, while attempting to avoid risks of toxicity . Changes in pharmacokinetics of drugs are usual in this context, and frequent dosing is necessary . While effective antibiotic therapy is a recognized prognostic parameter, antibiotics are only one part of therapy, besides supportive therapy of failing organs, and effective drainage or surgery of the infected focus, when feasible.

Arch Oral Biol, 1993 Jan, 38(1), 75 - 8
Neutrophil dysfunction in rats with natural gingivitis; Isogai E et al.; The functions of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) from SUS rats with naturally occurring gingivitis were examined by the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL), adherence and bactericidal tests . SUS rats with pre-gingivitis showed lower CL responses of isolated PMNs and whole blood than control rats (RES rats) . After plague formation and progression of gingivitis, the CL response gradually increased in SUS rats . RES rats had healthy gingiva and showed no increase in CL responses . Impaired PMN adherence was observed in SUS rats with pre-gingivitis but not in RES rats . PMNs from SUS rats with pre-gingivitis also showed lower bactericidal activity than those from RES rats . Dysfunction of PMNs might induce gingivitis as a result of decreased protection against periodontal pathogens and an elevated level of CL response can be recognized with progression of gingivitis.

Anaesthesia, 1993 Jan, 48(1), 30 - 2
Growth of micro-organisms in solutions of intravenous anaesthetic agents; Berry CB et al.; This controlled bench study compared the growth of bacteria and yeast in solutions of commonly used intravenous anaesthetic agents at room and body temperatures . Drugs presented in aqueous emulsions support both bacterial and fungal growth . Five out of the six solutions supported the growth of yeast . The one exception was chlormethiazole, which is both fungicidal and bactericidal . Solutions of drugs which will support growth of micro-organisms should be used with great care and they should not be stored or infused over prolonged periods.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1993 Jan, 37(1), 111 - 4
MICs and MBCs of clarithromycin against Mycobacterium avium within human macrophages; Mor N et al.; The inhibitory and bactericidal activities of clarithromycin were determined quantitatively against the intracellular populations of five Mycobacterium avium strains growing in monocyte-derived human macrophages . The MICs were 1.0 microgram/ml, and the MBCs ranged from 16.0 to 64.0 micrograms/ml; these values were similar to the MICs and MBCs found in broth cultures at pH 7.4 and were substantially lower than those found in broth cultures at pHs 6.8 and 5.0 . Since the intracellular environment has a neutral or even an acidic pH, relatively low MICs and MBCs found in macrophage cultures can be associated with the fact that the drug concentrations in macrophages are substantially higher than those in the medium in which these cells are cultivated . Pretreatment of the macrophages 2 days prior to infection decreased the MICs twofold in comparison with results of experiments in which the drug was added to already infected macrophages.

J Reprod Immunol, 1993 Jan, 23(1), 1 - 12
Fetal mononuclear cells show a comparable capacity with maternal mononuclear cells to produce IL-8 in response to lipopolysaccharide in chorioamnionitis; Taniguchi T et al.; IL-8 is a chemotactic and activating cytokine for neutrophils which eliminate invading bacteria by releasing bactericidal metabolites . Cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) obtained from neonates born to mothers with chorioamnionitis actively produced a significantly higher amount of IL-8 than those of neonates without chorioamnionitis, suggesting that the mononuclear cells of fetuses with chorioamnionitis had been activated in utero . As lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can often be detected in the uteroplacental space in chorioamnionitis, the LPS-mediated activation mechanism of neonatal mononuclear cells was analyzed in vitro to produce IL-8 . Neonatal mononuclear cells stimulated with LPS increased IL-8 production in a time- and dose-dependent manner . The ability of term or preterm neonatal mononuclear cells to produce IL-8 was comparable with that of adult (maternal) mononuclear cells, suggesting functional maturity of the neonatal or fetal mononuclear cells to produce IL-8 . However, IL-8 production by neonatal CBMCs was down-regulated by dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid which is clinically administered to mothers to promote fetal lung maturity in preterm delivery . Our present study revealed a regulatory mechanism of fetal IL-8 production, suggesting that functionally mature fetal mononuclear cells produce IL-8 in response to LPS in chorioamnionitis and activate the fetal defense mechanism against infection.

Dig Dis Sci, 1993 Jan, 38(1), 132 - 6
Helicobacter pylori in duodenal ulcer patients with idiopathic gastric acid hypersecretion; Collen MJ et al.; Thirty-three consecutive patients with idiopathic gastric acid hypersecretion (defined as a basal acid output > 10.0 meq/hr with a normal fasting serum gastrin level and negative secretin stimulation test) who were being treated for duodenal ulcer disease and other acid-peptic disorders were evaluated for the presence of Helicobacter pylori by means of a rapid urease test . Fourteen patients had duodenal ulcer and 19 had other acid-peptic disorders (gastroesophageal reflux in 14, including six with Barrett's esophagus; four with nonulcer dyspepsia; and one with erosive gastritis) . Helicobacter pylori was present in 12 of the 14 ulcer patients (86%) compared to only two of the 19 nonulcer patients (11%) (P < 0.0001) . The distribution of basal acid output for patients with duodenal ulcer was similar to that for nonulcer patients, and no significant difference in the mean basal acid output was found among Helicobacter pylori-positive compared to Helicobacter pylori-negative patients . Seven of the duodenal ulcer patients with a basal acid output greater than 15.0 meq/hr were Helicobacter pylori-positive, suggesting that the organism can withstand even extreme levels of gastric acidity . In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with duodenal ulcer disease associated with idiopathic gastric acid hypersecretion is not different from a majority of ulcer patients with normal acid secretory profiles and offers additional evidence that extreme levels of gastric acid are not bactericidal for the organism.

J Immunol, 1993 Jan 1, 150(1), 236 - 45
Depression of macrophage respiratory burst capacity and arachidonic acid release after Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis; Schwacha MG et al.; The phagocytosis of IgG-coated erythrocytes (ElgG) by macrophages results in a subsequent depression of macrophage phagocytic function, respiratory burst capacity, and bactericidal activity . Our study was carried out to determine the importance of impaired arachidonic acid release in the depression of the respiratory burst after ElgG phagocytosis . The depression of triggered H2O2 production after ElgG phagocytosis was not due to cyclooxygenase products because indomethacin or aspirin did not modify the depression . Further studies revealed that the depression of triggered H2O2 production after ElgG phagocytosis was associated with a depression in the ability of macrophages to release arachidonic acid in response to PMA, zymosan, or calcium ionophore . The addition of exogenous arachidonic acid partially prevented the depression of triggered H2O2 production after ElgG phagocytosis . Unlike phagocytosis mediated by FcR, complement receptor-mediated phagocytosis did not alter H2O2 production or arachidonic acid release . Ligation of FcR was not sufficient to depress triggered H2O2 production and arachidonic acid release because these functions were not depressed when phagocytosis was inhibited with cytochalasin D . Thus, it was found that the depression of triggered H2O2 production by macrophages after FcR-mediated phagocytosis was associated with impaired release of arachidonic acid and that H2O2 production could be partially restored by the addition of arachidonic acid . These results suggest that the impairment of arachidonic acid release after FcR-mediated phagocytosis contributes to the depression of macrophage respiratory burst capacity after FcR-mediated phagocytosis.

Prostate, 1993, 23(2), 107 - 14
Bacterial localization in antibiotic-refractory chronic bacterial prostatitis; Nickel JC et al.; Chronic bacterial prostatitis, that has become resistant to antibiotic therapy, remains a frustrating clinical entity for both clinicians and patients . Twenty men with a history of documented bacterial prostatitis, that had become resistant to appropriate antibiotic therapy, were studied in an attempt to determine where the bacteria had become localized, and possibly explain their survival in a relative bactericidal environment . The antibiotics were discontinued for 4 weeks, and cultures of the expressed prostatic secretions, tissue biopsies, histology, and ultrastructure were correlated . Twelve (60%) of the tissue biopsies cultured presumed pathogens . In six of the tissue-positive cases, the expressed prostatic secretion was negative . Specific electron micrographs demonstrate exopolysaccharide coated microcolonies of bacteria firmly attached to the ductal and acinar walls . This mode of growth helps explain some of our difficulties in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis.

Probl Tuberk, 1993, (1), 45 - 7
{An assessment of the bactericidal capacity of the blood monocytes in tuberculosis patients}; Mel'nikov VP; The nitro-blue tetrasolum (NBT) test was used for the study of the bactericidal capacity of blood monocytes in 30 healthy subjects and 86 pulmonary tuberculosis patients . The monocyte capacity of tuberculosis patients to restore NBT in the process of phagocytosis was found to be reduced . The NPT test parameters in the absence of cell stimulation were the same in both groups of the examined subjects . Administration of 50 TU of tuberculin subcutaneously is accompanied by the lowered capacity of monocytes to restore NPT during phagocytosis in patients with minimal activity of the tuberculous process, while this capacity was increased in subjects with post-tuberculous changes in the lungs.

Biotechnol Ther, 1993, 4(3-4), 239 - 52
Leukocyte inhibitory factor (LIF) potentiates human macrophage aggregation and activation responses to calcium ionophore A23187 and directly induces leukotriene B4 and thromboxane A2 release; Conti P et al.; Aggregation studies have become a useful criterion for analyzing leukocyte motility and activation in vitro . The T-cell-derived lymphokine human leukocyte inhibitory factor (LIF) is a modulator of many important polymorphonuclear (PMN) functions in addition to aggregation such as chemotaxis, lysosomal degranulation, phagocytosis, bactericidal killing, augmented antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), induction of neutrophil Fc-gamma, complement type-1 and FMLP receptors, and production of superoxide and H2O2 . Our investigations focused on the ability of LIF to modulate the aggregation of macrophages (MO) induced by calcium ionophore A23187 . The ionophore A23187 directly induced potent aggregation of macrophages, which was markedly enhanced when the cells were pretreated with LIF . However, the addition of LIF in the absence of other costimuli did not directly induce MO aggregation . LIF was shown to enhance PMN aggregation induced by N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP), but did not augment the aggregation of FMLP-stimulated macrophages, indicating a cellular specificity of aggregation-inducing costimuli following LIF priming . Additional cytokines examined for possibly inducing MO aggregation were interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), and interleukin-6 (IL-6); all proved to be incapable of inducing aggregation directly, nor did they enhance the effect of A23187 ionophore on macrophage aggregation . Additionally, we found that LIF can directly stimulate MO to activate specific pathways of the arachidonic acid cascade, inducing the synthesis and release of thromboxanes and leukotriene B4 . LIF did not augment the potent ability of A23187 to induce increased production of LTB4 or TxA2 by human MO . These new results coupled with our previously published data indicate that LIF can enhance the activation of both MO and PMN leukocytes when exposed to either A23187 or FMLP, respectively . Moreover, these data suggest that LIF can contribute directly to monocyte-macrophage leukocyte activation, in addition to PMN activation, during inflammatory responses, resulting in greater cell aggregation, activation, and specific proinflammatory arachidonic acid product release.

J Endod, 1993 Jan, 19(1), 40 - 3
Effective shelf-life of prepared sodium hypochlorite solution; Johnson BR et al.; Although the tissue solvent and bactericidal properties of sodium hypochlorite are well known, the effective shelf-life of prepared sodium hypochlorite solutions is not known . The stability of sodium hypochlorite is adversely affected by exposure to high temperature, light, air, and the presence of organic and inorganic contaminants . The purpose of this study was to investigate the variables of storage conditions and time on the tissue-dissolving capacity of three different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite . Fresh frozen human umbilical cord was used as the tissue sample for this experiment . Tissue samples were dissolved at time intervals ranging from 1 day to 10 wk in 5.25%, 2.62%, and 1.0% solutions of sodium hypochlorite . The tissue-dissolving ability of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite remains stable for at least 10 wk . The tissue-dissolving ability of 2.62% and 1.0% sodium hypochlorite remains relatively stable for 1 wk after mixing, then exhibits a significant decrease in tissue-dissolving ability at 2 wk and beyond.

Rev Latinoam Microbiol, 1993 Jan-Mar, 35(1), 71 - 5
Lambda prophage decreases Escherichia coli sensitivity to human serum bactericidal effect; Vaca-Pacheco S et al.; Escherichia coli C600 and C600(lambda) strains were tested for their susceptibility to the bactericidal action of 4% normal human serum . C600 survival was reduced to 30%, 23% and 16% after 60, 150 and 180 min of exposure to serum, respectively, whereas the percentage of survival of C600(lambda) was 199, 109 and 65% at the same times . The estimated exposition times for 50% killing showed an eight-fold difference, they were 23 and 202 min for C600 and C600(lambda), respectively . None of the two strains tested was killed when incubated with serum whose alternative complement pathway was inactivated by heating at 50 degrees C for 20 min, showing that this pathway, and not the classical one, was responsible of the bactericidal action, a conclusion further supported by the finding that both strains were differentially killed by the alternative complement pathway, C600 showing a 14X, 10X and 4X greater susceptibility than C600(lambda) at 60, 120 and 180 min of exposure to serum whose classical pathway was selectively inhibited by chelation with 10 mM EGTA plus 2 mM MgCl2 . We feel that lambda phage may lower the serum sensitivity of its lysogen by altering the bacterial external surface, perhaps by the inclusion of some protein encoded by an accessory gene of the lambda genome, and thus interfering with either the formation, deposition or activity of the membrane attack complex.

Probl Tuberk, 1993, (4), 45 - 8
{Cephalosporins as possible methods of etiotropic therapy of tuberculosis}; Vinogradova TI et al.; Cephalosporin antibiotics cefamezin (I generation drug sensitive to beta-lactamase) and cefotaxime (III generation drug resistant to beta-lactamase) have been tested for antituberculous activity . The latter was found dependent on resistance to mycobacterial beta-lactamase . A minimal inhibiting concentration of cefotaxime was similar to that of etambutol and tisamid . Cefotaxime also enhanced tuberculostatic and bactericidal effect of isoniazid and rifampicin . Combination cefotaxime+isoniazid+rifampicin proved more effective than cefotaxime+etambutol+tisamid . The effectiveness against tuberculosis of the beta-lactamase resistant cephalosporin points to the validity of further research for active phthisiatric drugs among III generation cephalosporins.

Ter Arkh, 1993, 65(11), 36 - 9
{The strategy for curing open pulmonary tuberculosis in a short period}; Ursov IG; The new approaches to short-term cure of open pulmonary tuberculosis imply intensification of etiotropic therapy with the emphasis on its bactericidal potential, introduction of pneumothorax as early as the treatment week 3, initiation of early surgery . Intravenous drug administration needs breaks in its course to make mycobacteria surviving after the previous dose sensitive to the antibiotics . Such intermittent regimens are beneficial for the patients as they contribute to better tolerance, to reducing total drug dosage, to earlier discharge from hospital for outpatient after treatment . Out of 1190 patients treated for 6.5 months according to the above principles cavern healing was achieved in 1106 (93%).

Acta Pol Pharm, 1993, 50(4-5), 393 - 5
Influence of Tołpa Peat Preparation on the phagocytic activity and bactericidal properties of granulocytes in healthy volunteers; Kowalska M et al.; It was found, that Tolpa Peat Preparation (TPP) administered to healthy volunteers in doses of 100-300 mg/day during 14 days evoked the stimulation of the phagocytic and bactericidal activity of the granulocytes . The dose of 600 mg/day causes only a transient and insignificant increase of phagocytic and bactericidal properties of the granulocytes.

Acta Microbiol Pol, 1993, 42(3-4), 315 - 9
Ozone as sensitizer of bacteria to the bactericidal action of complement; Doroszkiewicz W et al.; The purpose of this study was to answer the question whether the exposure of bacterial cells to ozone results in changes of their sensitivity to the bactericidal action of normal bovine serum (NBS) . Our initial studies have demonstrated that contact of bacteria with O3 enhances serum-mediated killing.

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1992 Dec 15, 79(1-3), 211 - 5
The mechanism of action of chlorhexidine; Kuyyakanond T et al.; Chlorhexidine did not inhibit ATPase in intact cells of Escherichia coli K12 W1317i-, even at bactericidal concentrations, and ATP hydrolysis was greatest at the highest concentration (40 mg/l), even though no net uptake of substrate occurred . Like dinitrophenol and tribrominated salicylanilide, polymyxin and chlorhexidine collapsed the membrane potential at inhibitory concentrations . Membrane disruption, and not ATPase inactivation, is considered the lethal event in chlorhexidine action.

J Gen Microbiol, 1992 Dec, 138 ( Pt 12), 2721 - 4
A new colicin that adsorbs to outer-membrane protein Tsx but is dependent on the tonB instead of the tolQ membrane transport system; Bradley DE et al.; A new colicin, Col5, was synthesized by an Escherichia coli isolate of human origin from the ECOR Collection . It was unique because it adsorbed to the outer-membrane protein Tsx, but used the tonB rather than the tolQ membrane transport system, which is employed by the only other Tsx-specific colicin, ColK . Col5 was encoded by a 5.2 kb plasmid, p5 . It was inducible by mitomycin C, and strains harbouring p5 exhibited quasi-lysis . The bactericidal protein had an M(r) of 56,000.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1992 Dec, 36(12), 2799 - 803
In vitro antibiotic susceptibility of the newly recognized agent of ehrlichiosis in humans, Ehrlichia chaffeensis; Brouqui P et al.; Ehrlichiosis in humans, a rickettsial disease recently discovered in the United States, is generally treated successfully with tetracyclines; however treatment with these agents is usually avoided with children and pregnant women . The in vitro susceptibility of Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the agent of human ehrlichiosis in the United States, was assessed by a quantitative evaluation of infected DH82 cells cultivated in 96-well microtiter plates in the presence of different concentrations of selected antibiotics . Extracellular MICs and MBCs were evaluated after 72 h of exposure to the antibiotics . Doxycycline and rifampin were found to exert rapidly bactericidal effects, with MBCs in the extracellular culture medium of less than 0.5 and 0.125 microgram/ml, respectively . E . chaffeensis was resistant to chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, co-trimoxazole, penicillin, and gentamicin, which had MICs greater than 16, 4, 8, 4, 40, and 32 micrograms/ml, respectively . These observations are consistent with the finding that human ehrlichiosis appears to respond to tetracycline therapy, which has been the therapy of first choice . Further clinical investigations are necessary to evaluate the role of rifampin in the treatment of human ehrlichiosis, especially in children.

J Leukoc Biol, 1992 Dec, 52(6), 625 - 9
Killing of Legionella pneumophila by nitric oxide in gamma-interferon-activated macrophages; Summersgill JT et al.; The role of nitric oxide (NO) radicals in killing the intracellular bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila (Lp) was examined in infected macrophages . Murine (RAW 264.7) and human (HL-60) cell monolayers were treated with 100 U/ml gamma-interferon (IFN) and cocultured with Lp in the presence and absence of NGMMA, a specific inhibitor of NO production . Viable Lp in IFN-treated RAW 264.7 cells decreased from 3.8 to 0.7 +/- 0.12 log CFU/ml after 24 h incubation, whereas in IFN+NGMMA-treated RAW 264.7 cells, viable Lp persisted at 2.2 +/- 0.2 log CFU/ml after 24 h . This increased survival corresponded with an inhibition of NO production (5.65 +/- 2.99 microM with NGMMA vs . 58.6 +/- 5.36 microM without NGMMA) . Viable Lp were susceptible to killing, in a dose-dependent fashion, by 0, 2.5, and 5.0 mM sodium nitroprusside, a source of NO radicals . IFN-treated RAW 264.7 cells also had significantly decreased levels of intracellular iron (below assay limit) when compared to IFN+NGMMA-treated cells (72.0 +/- 0.78% of control) . Normally permissive HL-60 cells treated with IFN were bacteriostatic rather than bactericidal, and NO production was not detected above background . Thus, NO radicals play a critical role in the bactericidal activity against Lp by IFN-treated RAW 264.7 cells, but the absence of NO production limits IFN-treated HL-60 cells to bacteriostasis.

Infect Immun, 1992 Dec, 60(12), 5316 - 8
A bactericidal monoclonal antibody specific for the lipooligosaccharide of Bordetella pertussis reduces colonization of the respiratory tract of mice after aerosol infection with B . pertussis; Mountzouros KT et al.; A mouse immunoglobulin G3 monoclonal antibody specific for the core oligosaccharide moiety of the lipooligosaccharide (LOS) of Bordetella pertussis has been shown to have complement-dependent bactericidal activity . This monoclonal antibody exhibits bactericidal activity against strains of B . pertussis that express the LOS A phenotype . In addition this monoclonal antibody was effective in reducing colonization by B . pertussis in both the lungs and tracheas of mice after aerosol infection.

Gastroenterology, 1992 Dec, 103(6), 1902 - 8
Human pancreatic tissue concentration of bactericidal antibiotics; Buchler M et al.; Pancreatic infection represents the most important cause of fatal outcome in human acute pancreatitis . In a comparative analysis, human pancreatic tissue concentrations of 10 different bactericidal antibiotics were determined in 89 patients undergoing pancreatic surgery . Concentrations of the antibiotics were determined in the blood and pancreatic tissue using high-pressure liquid chromatography . Pancreatic tissue concentrations 120 minutes after intravenous administration were as follows: mezlocillin, 19.0 mg/kg; piperacillin, 20.3 mg/kg; cefotaxime, 9.1 mg/kg; ceftizoxime, 7.9 mg/kg; netilmicin, 0.4 mg/kg; tobramycin, 0.4 mg/kg; ofloxacin, 1.7 mg/kg; ciprofloxacin, 0.9 mg/kg; imipenem, 6.0 mg/kg; metronidazole, 3.5 mg/kg . Three groups of antibiotics were established: group A, substances with low tissue concentrations (netilmicin, tobramycin), which were below the minimal inhibitory concentrations of most bacteria found in pancreatic infection; group B, antibiotics with pancreatic tissue concentrations which were sufficient to inhibit some but not all bacteria in pancreatic infection (mezlocillin, piperacillin, ceftizoxime, cefotaxime); group C, substances with high pancreatic tissue levels as well as high bactericidal activity against most of the germs present in pancreatic infection (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, imipenem) . These data could serve as the basis for adequate antibiotic prophylaxis or treatment of pancreatic infection.

J Infect Dis, 1992 Dec, 166(6), 1354 - 61
Recombinant murine interferon-gamma reversibly activates rat alveolar macrophages to kill Legionella pneumophila; Skerrett SJ et al.; The interaction of interferon (IFN)-gamma, rat alveolar macrophages, and Legionella pneumophila was studied in vitro to define the effector cell potential of alveolar macrophages against an intracellular pathogen in a model in which the efficacy of IFN-gamma could be tested in vivo . Alveolar macrophages preincubated with IFN-gamma up-regulated Ia antigen and killed 0.5-4 logs of L . pneumophila over 4 days compared with 1-2 logs of bacterial growth in untreated cells . The bactericidal effect was dose dependent, evident over a wide range of bacterial inocula, and not suppressed by hydrocortisone . Preincubation with IFN-gamma was unnecessary and insufficient, as intracellular replication was reversed by exposure to IFN-gamma up to 48 h after infection, and neutralization of IFN-gamma after infection permitted bacterial growth . IFN-gamma thus converts alveolar macrophages from target cells to effector cells in host defense against L . pneumophila and may be of therapeutic benefit in legionellosis.

Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis, 1992 Dec, 60(4), 556 - 61
Bactericidal activities of single or multiple doses of various combinations of new antileprosy drugs and/or rifampin against M . leprae in mice; Ji B et al.; The bactericidal activities against Mycobacterium leprae of single or multiple doses of various combinations of new antileprosy drugs {minocycline (MINO), clarithromycin (CLARI), ofloxacin (OFLO), and sparfloxacin (SPFX)} and/or rifampin (RMP) were titrated in immunocompetent mice by the proportional bactericidal method . Drugs were administered by gavage at the following dosages (mg/kg) per dose: RMP 10, MINO 25, CLARI 100, OFLO 150, and SPFX 50 . All 15 regimens exerted significant bactericidal activities, at least 96% of viables were killed . The activity of a single dose MINO + CLARI was only slightly inferior to that of RMP, and the activities of a single dose OFLO/SPFX + MINO + CLARI were similar to that of RMP . This suggests that either MINO + CLARI or OFLO/SPFX + MINO + CLARI may be administered once monthly together with RMP 600 mg for the treatment of multibacillary (MB) leprosy, and monthly administration of MINO + CLARI or OFLO/SPFX + MINO + CLARI may also be employed for the treatment of RMP-resistant MB leprosy . Because the killing effects of multiple doses of the combinations were so powerful, comparison of the bactericidal activities of these regimens was beyond the sensitivity of the immunocompetent mouse model, and are being tested in the nude mouse model . Although SPFX is more active against M . leprae than OFLO on a weight-to-weight basis, when both drugs were administered in mice at dosages equivalent to clinically tolerated dosages in humans, SPFX did not show more superiority than OFLO, and its real advantage over OFLO in the treatment of leprosy remains unclear.

Chest, 1992 Dec, 102(6), 1780 - 6
Host defense activity in various hosts . Human neutrophil NADPH oxidase activity; Umeki S et al.; The superoxide generation of neutrophil NADPH oxidase from healthy subjects, patients with respiratory infections, and patients receiving effective therapy with antibiotics or steroids was investigated . In young healthy nonsmokers the mean oxidase activity of neutrophils in women was significantly lower than that in men . In healthy women the mean oxidase activity was significantly lower in young nonsmokers than in young smokers or the elderly . In young nonsmokers, oxidase activity significantly increased during respiratory infections; however, in elderly nonsmokers, no significant increase in oxidase activity was observed during respiratory infections . The mean oxidase activity in patients receiving steroids was very low . In in vitro experiments using cell-free activation systems of NADPH oxidase, steroids were found to injure the membrane-bound components of the oxidase enzyme . These results suggest that decreased superoxide generation in patients receiving steroids may result from steroid-induced damage in the membrane-bound components of the NADPH oxidase system . The inhibitory effect of steroids on superoxide production may reduce bactericidal action of neutrophils, ie, one defense mechanism of the body against many kinds of pathogens . Therefore, long-term therapy with steroids in the elderly should be avoided at all costs.

Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1992 Dec, 114(12), 641 - 3
{The stimulation of the bactericidal activity of human neutrophils by lymphoid cells activated by interleukin-2; the effect of inflammatory cytokines}; Potapnev MP et al.; Regulation of bactericidal activity of neutrophils (BAN) of healthy volunteer blood donors was studied . Interleukin-2 (IL-2)-activated lymphocytes potentiated BAN more effectively then resting lymphocytes . IL-2-activated mononuclear cells (containing lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages) decreased neutrophil-potentiating activity when compared with nonactivated mononuclear cells . It was concluded that IL-2-activated monocytes exerted potent suppressive influence upon lymphocytes . Recombinant interleukin-1 beta, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma acted synergistically with IL-2-activated lymphocytes on BAN when the level of neutrophil bactericidal activity was low.

Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi, 1992 Dec, 30(12), 2069 - 74
{Effects of respiratory tract infections and antibiotic therapy on NADPH oxidase activity}; Umeki S; The superoxide generation of neutrophil NADPH oxidase was investigated in healthy subjects, patients with respiratory tract infections, and patients receiving effective antibiotic therapy . In adults, oxidase activity significantly increased during respiratory tract infections and decreased after treatment with effective antibiotics . In the elderly, no significant increase in oxidase activity was observed during respiratory tract infections, while the activity significantly decreased after therapy . Increases in white blood cell counts, neutrophil counts and C-reactive protein values in the elderly during respiratory tract infections were less marked than those in adults . These abnormalities in both adults and the elderly were restored to within normal limits after antibiotic therapy . In in vitro experiments, antibiotics, such as imipenem, ceftazidime and cefoperazone, at each therapeutic dose did not inhibit the superoxide generation of NADPH oxidase . These results suggest that in the elderly, defense activity against infections may be suppressed, and that these antibiotics may normalize neutrophil NADPH oxidase activity as a result of their bactericidal action and a possible biological action to normalize the peri-neutrophil environment of the body.

Nippon Eiseigaku Zasshi, 1992 Dec, 47(5), 939 - 51
{Conditions for low-intensity voluntary wheel running in rats and its chronic effects on health indexes}; Suzuki K et al.; Studies were undertaken to evaluate the fundamental conditions for a low-intensity voluntary wheel running model in rats and its chronic effects on health indexes . Male Fischer rats (SPF) 5 weeks of age were housed in individual sedentary conditions or in individual wheel-cage units which allowed free access to voluntary wheel running for 8 months . Voluntary running averaged 640 +/- 198 m/day, reached a peak (965m) at the 2nd month and waned over time, reaching a plateau after the 6th month (about 400-500m) . Exercising rats consumed more food (+23%), but exhibited decreased body weight gains (-9%), suggesting a remarkable lowering of fat . A lowering effect on resting blood pressure (-5%) was also recognized . In addition, preventive effects on oxygen toxicity and effective bactericidal activity of neutrophils and pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) were suggested . Although the amount of exercise in this study was the smallest of the other preceding ones conducted with a voluntary wheel running model, many potential health benefits were recognized . Such health promoting and protective effects by low-intensity voluntary exercise and the harmfulness of forced exercise in rats have been reported in researches on cancer, lowering fat and hypertension . Therefore it is important to set up conditions for low-intensity voluntary running . It was also demonstrated by this study that strictly controlled environmental conditions, such as room temperature and humidity, a 12-hr light-dark cycle and prevention of infection and psychological stress to rats, as well as using male rats, which are more inactive, were important factors to establish this model.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1992 Nov 16, 188(3), 1169 - 75
In vitro induction of cecropin genes--an immune response in a Drosophila blood cell line; Samakovlis C et al.; The Drosophila melanogaster cell line mbn-2 was explored as a model system to study insect immune responses in vitro . This cell line is of blood cell origin, derived from larval hemocytes of the mutant lethal (2) malignant blood neoplasm (1(2)mbn) . The mbn-2 cells respond to microbial substances by the activation of cecropin genes, coding for bactericidal peptides . The response is stronger than that previously described for SL2 cells, and four other tested Drosophila cell lines were totally unresponsive . Bacterial lipopolysaccharide, algal laminarin (a beta-1,3-glucan), and bacterial flagellin were strong inducers, bacterial peptidoglycan fragments gave a weaker response, whereas a formyl-methionine-containing peptide had no effect . Experiments with different drugs indicate that the response may be mediated by a G protein, but not by protein kinase C or eicosanoids, and that it requires a protein factor with a high rate of turnover.

Arch Biochem Biophys, 1992 Nov 15, 299(1), 129 - 36
Multivalent ligand binding by serum mannose-binding protein; Lee RT et al.; The serum-type mannose-binding protein (MBP) is a defense molecule that has carbohydrate-dependent bactericidal effects . It shares with mammalian and chicken hepatic lectins similarity in the primary structure of the carbohydrate-recognition domain, as well as the ligand-binding mode: a high affinity (KD approximately nM) is generated by clustering of approximately 30 terminal target sugar residues on a macromolecule, such as bovine serum albumin, although the individual monosaccharides have low affinity (KD 0.1-1 mM) . On the other hand, MBP does not manifest any significant affinity enhancement toward small, di- and trivalent ligands, in contrast to the hepatic lectins whose affinity toward divalent ligands of comparable structures increased from 100- to 1000-fold . Such differences may be explained on the basis of different subunit organization between the hepatic lectins and MBP.

Arch Biochem Biophys, 1992 Nov 1, 298(2), 452 - 7
Bactericidal activity of peroxynitrite; Zhu L et al.; Peroxynitrite is a strong oxidant formed by macrophages and potentially by other cells that produce nitric oxide and superoxide . Peroxynitrite was highly bactericidal, killing Escherichia coli in direct proportion to its concentration with an LD50 of 250 microM at 37 degrees C in potassium phosphate, pH 7.4 . The apparent bactericidal activity of a given concentration peroxynitrite at acidic pH was less than that at neutral and alkaline pH . However, after taking the rapid pH-dependent decomposition of peroxynitrite into account, the rate of the killing was not significantly different at pH 5 compared to pH 7.4 . Metal chelators did not decrease peroxynitrite-mediated killing, indicating that exogenous transition metals were not required for toxicity . The hydroxyl radical scavengers mannitol, ethanol, and benzoate did not significantly affect toxicity while dimethyl sulfoxide enhanced peroxynitrite-mediated killing . Dimethyl sulfoxide is a more efficient hydroxyl radical scavenger than the other three scavengers and increased the formation of nitrogen dioxide from peroxynitrite . In the presence of 100 mM dimethyl sulfoxide, 60.0 +/- 0.3 microM nitrogen dioxide was formed from 250 microM peroxynitrite as compared to 2.0 +/- 0.1 microM in buffer alone . Thus, formation of nitrogen dioxide may have enhanced the toxicity of peroxynitrite decomposing in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide.

Infect Immun, 1992 Nov, 60(11), 4973 - 5
Human neutrophil azurocidin synergizes with leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G in the killing of Capnocytophaga sputigena; Miyasaki KT et al.; Azurocidin was purified in the presence of phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride . Electrophoresis revealed at least seven species which exhibited N-terminal sequences consistent with azurocidin . Azurocidin exhibited no bactericidal activity against Capnocytophaga sputigena or other oral bacteria but synergized the bactericidal activity of enzymatically active elastase . Azurocidin also interacted synergistically with cathepsin G.

Infect Immun, 1992 Nov, 60(11), 4720 - 5
Activity of defensins from human neutrophilic granulocytes against Mycobacterium avium-Mycobacterium intracellulare; Ogata K et al.; We have examined the activity of defensins from human neutrophilic granulocytes against Mycobacterium avium-Mycobacterium intracellulare . M . avium-M . intracellulare at 2.5 x 10(6)/ml or 2.5 x 10(8)/ml was cultured in the presence of defensins at 37 degrees C from 4 to 48 h . After incubation, CFU were enumerated . Human neutrophil peptide 1 (HNP-1) at 5 micrograms/ml had the ability to kill M . avium-M . intracellulare . Treatment with HNP-1 resulted in significant (96.3 to 97.7%) killing of M . avium-M . intracellulare, even after taking clumping into consideration . This activity was not affected by the presence of calcium (0.5 and 1.0 mM), magnesium (0.5 and 1.0 mM), or sodium chloride (25, 50, and 100 mM) . The optimal pH for bactericidal activity was higher than 5 . We tested numerous M . avium-M . intracellulare strains, and HNP-1 was successful in killing every strain, although the degree of killing varied among them (34.2 to 87.2%) . Additionally, this activity was independent of colonial morphology . We also examined the activity of HNP-2 and HNP-3 against M . avium-M . intracellulare and found that they were as effective in killing M . avium-M . intracellulare as HNP-1 was . These observations suggest that defensins may play an important role in the host defense against M . avium-M . intracellulare.

J Hosp Infect, 1992 Nov, 22 Suppl A, 61 - 7
Activity of amoxycillin-clavulanic acid against Legionella pneumophila in vitro and in an experimental respiratory infection model; Smith GM et al.; Amoxycillin and clavulanic acid show good activity against Legionella pneumophila in vitro, and synergy has been observed between the two agents . However, in tissue culture studies, amoxycillin was inactive against intracellular legionellae, whereas clavulanic acid and amoxycillin plus clavulanic acid were as effective as erythromycin in preventing bacterial growth . These latter findings were reflected in the results of therapy of a L . pneumophila pneumonia in the neutropenic rat . Amoxycillin was ineffective in reducing bacterial counts in the lungs of infected animals, but clavulanic acid and amoxycillin-clavulanic acid produced bactericidal effects similar to those of erythromycin . The data illustrate the bactericidal activity of amoxycillin-clavulanic acid and clavulanic acid against intracellular L . pneumophila in contrast to the lack of activity of amoxycillin.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1992 Nov, 36(11), 2544 - 7
Activities of various quinolone antibiotics against Mycobacterium leprae in infected mice; Gelber RH et al.; Previously, pefloxacin and ofloxacin were found to be active against Mycobacterium leprae in vitro, in experimental animals, and in clinical trials of lepromatous leprosy patients . In this study, we compared certain more recently developed fluoroquinolones (lomefloxacin, PD 124816, WIN 57273, temafloxacin, and sparfloxacin) with pefloxacin and ofloxacin in M . leprae-infected mice at doses of 50, 150, and 300 mg/kg given five times weekly . All seven of the fluoroquinolones studies were active against M . leprae; temafloxacin and sparfloxacin were the most active, being fully bactericidal at all three dosage schedules . Additionally, sparfloxacin was found to be fully bactericidal at 15 and 30 mg/kg given five times weekly.

Int J Immunopharmacol, 1992 Nov, 14(8), 1391 - 8
Augmentative effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (human, natural type) on polymorphonuclear leukocyte-derived superoxide generation induced by various stimulants; Yoshikawa T et al.; We investigated the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (human, natural type: n-TNF) on polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)-derived superoxide generation by the new method of Cypridina luciferin analog-dependent chemiluminescence, which had high sensitivity and specificity to superoxide . Preincubation of PMNs with n-TNF for 3 min increased PMN-derived superoxide generation induced by phorbol myristate acetate, A23187, opsonized zymosan and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine in a concentration dependent manner (0.5-50 Japan reference units/ml of n-TNF) . In addition, the enhanced PMN-derived superoxide generation by n-TNF showed a positive correlation to the preincubation time of PMNs with n-TNF (3-15 min) . However, a direct incubation of PMNs with n-TNF for 1 h did not induce superoxide from PMNs without the above stimulants . The augmentative effects of n-TNF on PMN-derived superoxide generation should be useful in the PMN-mediated host defense mechanism, such as bactericidal and antitumor activity . The local concentration of n-TNF and the n-TNF-PMN contact time are considered very important in obtaining these effects more efficiently in addition to the presence of PMN-stimulants including complements, chemotactic peptides and phorbol esters.

J Surg Oncol, 1992 Nov, 51(3), 159 - 63
Impaired neutrophil bactericidal activity correlates with the infection occurring after surgery for esophageal cancer; Saito T et al.; We examined whether or not preoperative impaired bactericidal activities of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) are associated with infections following surgery for esophageal cancer . Intracellular killing (KI), superoxide anion-producing capacity (SOP), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured in 22 patients with esophageal cancer, 27 with gastric cancer, and 13 age-matched controls . The average level of KI was significantly depressed in patients with esophageal cancer or with gastric cancer, to a similar extent, compared to findings in controls, but SOP was not . In esophageal cancer patients, the SOP level was significantly higher in those with postoperative septic complications than in those without such problems, whereas the KI level was depressed to a similar extent in both . Therefore, a depression of KI with elevation of SOP of PMN may serve to predict complications of infection following surgery in patients with esophageal cancer.

J Immunol, 1992 Nov 1, 149(9), 3059 - 65
Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin inhibits the NADPH oxidase-enzyme complex in phorbol ester-stimulated neutrophil membranes; Kilpatrick L et al.; The generation of superoxide anion and release of granule contents are essential to the bactericidal function of neutrophils, but may also contribute to host tissue damage during inflammation . In previous studies (J . Immunol . 146:2388), we have demonstrated that the acute phase reactant alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (ACT), a potent inhibitor of the serine protease cathepsin G, also suppresses superoxide anion generation . The inhibitory effect of ACT was not directly linked to its antiproteolytic activity and may reflect interaction at a site other than its reactive loop . To further characterize the mechanism of inhibition, we investigated the direct effects of ACT on the NADPH oxidase enzyme complex and the signaling pathways that regulate motivation of the respiratory burst . We present evidence that ACT does not intefer with agonist-stimulated calcium mobilization or translocation and activity of protein kinase C . ACT was an effective inhibitor of superoxide anion generation in membrane preparations isolated from PMA-activated cells . These results support the notion that ACT is acting on a component of the active assembled NADPH oxidase complex . Thus, ACT may have an important role in regulation of specific aspects of the inflammatory processes and the modulation of toxic oxygen-based host tissue damage.

Antibiot Khimioter, 1992 Nov, 37(11), 14 - 7
{Effect of antibiotics on Francisella tularensis}; Sidorenko SV et al.; The minimum inhibitory concentrations of rifampicin, doxycycline, sisomicin, ciprofloxacin and phosmidomycin for various strains of Francisella tularensis were 0.5 to 2.0, 0.5 to 2.0, 0.125 to 0.4, 0.625 to 0.125 and 2.0 to 12.5 micrograms/ml, respectively . Ciprofloxacin and sisomicin had a marked bactericidal effect . The bactericidal effect of rifampicin was insignificant . Doxycycline and phomidomycin had practically no such effect . All the antibiotics had a post effect . The level of the post-antibiotic effect was different and depended on the antibiotic concentration.

Biochem J, 1992 Oct 15, 287 ( Pt 2), 573 - 8
Purification and characterization of a diptericin homologue from Sarcophaga peregrina (flesh fly); Ishikawa M et al.; A protein with a molecular mass of 8 kDa was found to be synthesized specifically when the fat-body from injured Sarcophaga peregrina larvae was cultured in vitro . This protein was purified from the haemolymph of the injured larvae to near-homogeneity . Partial amino acid sequencing revealed that this protein is a diptericin homologue . It showed bactericidal activity on growing, but not resting Escherichia coli cells . E . coli cells become elongated on treatment with this protein.

Infect Immun, 1992 Oct, 60(10), 4407 - 9
Effects of gamma interferon and indomethacin in preventing Brucella abortus infections in mice; Stevens MG et al.; Increased resistance to infection with Brucella abortus 2308 resulted when recombinant murine gamma interferon (rMuIFN-gamma) was given to mice both before and during infection but not when given only before infection . Mice given rMuIFN-gamma had enhanced peritoneal and splenic macrophage bactericidal activity against B . abortus . Treatment of mice with rMuIFN-gamma plus indomethacin did not further enhance resistance to infection or macrophage bactericidal activity compared with that after treatment of mice with rMuIFN-gamma alone.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1992 Oct, 30(4), 525 - 34
Bactericidal effects of co-amoxiclav (amoxycillin clavulanic acid) against a Legionella pneumophila pneumonia in the immunocompromised weanling rat; Smith GM et al.; To evaluate the activity of co-amoxiclav (amoxycillin/clavulanic acid) against Legionella pneumophila in vivo, a model of L . pneumophila pneumonia was developed in weanling rats rendered leukopenic by pre-administration of cyclophosphamide . Assessment of therapy was by lung bacterial counts and histological examination . Amoxycillin was ineffective in reducing bacterial counts in the lungs of infected rats, whereas erythromycin, the standard agent, was significantly more effective (P < 0.01) . Co-amoxiclav and erythromycin, administered parenterally, produced significant bactericidal effects (P < 0.01), reducing the counts of L . pneumophila strain 1624 at 96 h to 1.2 log10 cfu/lungs compared with counts of 6 log10 cfu/lungs in the untreated animals . Clavulanic acid was also highly effective in preventing development of the infection, and was as efficacious as co-amoxiclav . Because of the significant reduction in bacterial numbers, a marked reduction in inflammation and consolidation of lung tissue was seen in rats treated with erythromycin, clavulanic acid or co-amoxiclav . The activity of co-amoxiclav was no greater than clavulanic acid alone, and no synergy was noted between the two components . When therapy was delayed until 48 h after infection, co-amoxiclav was as effective as erythromycin, with both treatments reducing bacterial numbers to 3.3 and 3.6 log10 cfu/lungs by 96 h, after only two days of therapy, in comparison with non-treated rats (5.6 log10 cfu/lungs) . In a prolonged infection, produced by extending the period of leucopenia, co-amoxiclav and erythromycin were equally effective in preventing growth of the organism, with 1.5 and 1.6 log10 cfu/lungs, respectively, present at 96 h, in contrast to the non-treated rats with 5.7 log10 cfu/lungs (P < 0.01) . After cessation of therapy, regrowth of L . pneumophila occurred in the erythromycin-treated group to such a degree that by 168 h, lung viable counts from these rats were significantly higher (4.8 log10 cfu/lungs) than in co-amoxiclav-treated rats (2.1 log10 cfu/lungs) (P < 0.05) . Oral therapy of this infection with erythromycin or clavulanic acid, either alone or in combination with amoxycillin, resulted in counts of 3.3, 3.6 and 3.5 log10 cfu/lungs at 96 h, respectively . Although oral therapy was significantly less effective than parenteral therapy (P < 0.05), the bacterial counts in the treated groups were significantly lower than in the non-treated animals . The data show that co-amoxiclav displayed bactericidal activity consistently against intracellular L . pneumophila in vivo.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1992 Oct, 11(10), 923 - 6
Killing kinetics of five orally administered antibiotics at clinically achievable concentrations against Moraxella catarrhalis; Bingen E et al.; Time-kill kinetic studies were used to measure the bactericidal activity of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (in a new form for pediatric use), cefaclor, cefuroxime, cefixime and erythromycin against 30 beta-lactamase producing Moraxella catarrhalis strains . Antibiotics were tested at the mean maximum serum concentration observed after administration of a standard dose and at 0.5 x Cmax, 0.33 x Cmax and 0.25 x Cmax . A 2 log10 reduction in colony counts was obtained with the Cmax of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cefixime after 5 h of incubation . After 24 h of incubation a decrease of 3 and 4 log was observed with cefixime and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid respectively . At 0.5 x Cmax and 0.33 x Cmax, bactericidal activity was obtained only with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid.

Yakugaku Zasshi, 1992 Oct, 112(10), 712 - 22
{Synthesis of new antirusty disinfectants . I}; Makino M et al.; New quaternary ammonium salts {N-alkyl-N-2-hydroxyethyl-N,N-dimethylammonium ethyl phosphate (21, 22), isopropyl phosphate (23), n-butyl phosphate (24) and N-alkyl-N-2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl-N,N-dimethylammonium ethyl phosphate (25, 26), isopropyl phosphate (27), n-butyl phosphate (28) and bis(N-alkyl-N-2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl-N,N-dimethylammonium) malate (29), fumarate (30), succinate (31), adipate (32) and N-alkyl-N-2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl-N,N-dimethylammonium tartrate (33)} were synthesized by alkylation of the corresponding trialkylammonium salts with various epoxy compounds . The new quaternary ammonium salts showed much greater bactericidal activities and antirusting effects than those of benzalkonium chloride . They had also good compatibilities since no precipitate was observed if the solution of any anionic surface active agents were added to the solution of these new quaternary ammonium salts . This property is the same as that of amphoteric surface active agents.

Genitourin Med, 1992 Oct, 68(5), 328 - 30
A clinical evaluation of trichomoniasis in San Jose, Costa Rica using the InPouch TV test; Borchardt KA et al.; OBJECTIVE--to determine the prevalence of trichomoniasis in San Jose, Costa Rica, comparing two methods, the InPouch TV test and the saline wet mount . METHODS--One hundred symptomatic and asymptomatic female patients at two hospitals and at a sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic were evaluated . Vaginal discharge was the most prevalent genitourinary abnormality among symptomatic patients . The patients were between 18 and 70 years old . Fifty-seven were from the STD clinic, 43 from the two hospitals . A saline wet mount and a culture were taken from each patient . The culture employed a new procedure for diagnosis of trichomonads, the InPouch TV test (BioMed Diagnostics, San Jose, CA) . RESULTS--Thirteen of the 100 patients were culture positive, two of whom were wet mount positive . No wet mount positives were culture negative . Eleven of the positive tests were from the STD clinic and two were from the hospitals . CONCLUSIONS--The results of this initial epidemiologic study indicate a prevalence of 19% for trichomoniasis in the STD clinic population and 4.6% in the hospitals group . Trichomonas vaginalis was not diagnosed by laboratory methods prior to this study . The InPouch TV test has a selective fungicidal and bactericidal, enriched proteose-peptone medium which provides a sensitivity of 4 organisms per ml and a 1 year shelf life at room temperature . This in vitro culture test demonstrated unique capabilities as a transport and culture medium . Its procedure offers simplicity in application and an excellent visualisation of trichomonads.

J Leukoc Biol, 1992 Oct, 52(4), 407 - 14
Circulating factors contribute to elevation of intracellular cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate and depression of superoxide anion production in polymorphonuclear leukocytes following thermal injury; Bjornson AB et al.; We have previously demonstrated that bactericidal activity and superoxide anion (O2-) production are depressed concomitantly in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) following thermal injury in a guinea pig model, and the bactericidal defect is related to elevation of intracellular cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) . The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the relationship between elevation of intracellular cAMP and depression of O2- production in PMNs following thermal injury and determine the involvement of circulating factors in the development of these alterations . The kinetics of O2- production and dose responses to formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) were depressed in peripheral PMNs following thermal injury in this experimental model . Sera obtained during the period of PMN dysfunction induced depression of O2- production in response to fMLP and elevation of intracellular cAMP in normal PMNs . Pretreatment of normal PMNs with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID; indomethacin or piroxicam) inhibited the elevation of intracellular cAMP mediated by sera from the injured animals but had no effect on the depression of O2- production observed under similar conditions . Treatment of PMNs from injured animals with NSAID under conditions known to reduce the cAMP content of the cells and correct the bactericidal defect did not normalize O2- production . Studies utilizing sera from two thermally injured patients confirmed findings in the guinea pig model of serum-mediated elevation of intracellular cAMP and depression of O2- production in normal PMNs and effects observed with NSAID . These results suggest that circulating factors contribute to the elevation of intracellular cAMP and depression of O2- production in PMNs following thermal injury . Whereas the increase in intracellular cAMP may be involved in the depression of O2- production, our results suggest that there is not a direct link between these alterations.

Acta Cytol, 1992 Sep-Oct, 36(5), 668 - 73
Increased surfactant protein A content in human alveolar macrophages in hypersensitivity pneumonitis; Guzman J et al.; Surfactant protein A (SP-A) appears to have an important function in the assembly and maintenance of the alveolar surfactant monolayer . SP-A has also been implicated in modulating the activity of immunoactive cells, such as increasing the bactericidal capacity of alveolar macrophages . In this immunocytochemical study the SP-A content of alveolar macrophages from seven patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis was compared with the results obtained from six healthy controls . A polyclonal rabbit antibody against human SP-A was used for detection of SP-A in the cytoplasm of alveolar macrophages, applying the immunoperoxidase adhesive slide assay . In hypersensitivity pneumonitis a significant increase in the percentage of SP-A+ alveolar macrophages was observed as compared with the percentage in healthy controls . The intensity of the staining reaction was also increased in the alveolar macrophages of hypersensitivity pneumonitis . We conclude that the observed abnormalities in SP-A content in alveolar macrophages may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis, 1992 Sep, 60(3), 410 - 5
An experimental study to evaluate the bactericidal activity of ofloxacin against an established Mycobacterium leprae infection; Banerjee DK et al.; The bactericidal effect of a new quinolone, ofloxacin (OFLO), was determined on an established Mycobacterium leprae infection in nude mice . Various drug regimens, including combinations of drugs, were examined for different treatment periods . OFLO and rifampin (RMP) individually failed to produce significant killing after treatment with a single large dose . However, when single large doses of OFLO and RMP were given in combination, a 100-fold reduction in viability was achieved . For a longer period of treatment both of these drugs, at lower doses, produced a moderate reduction in viability . The addition of dapsone to the lower dose of OFLO resulted in a significant reduction in viability, while lower doses of RMP and OFLO together produced a moderate reduction in viability.

Eur J Clin Invest, 1992 Sep, 22(9), 630 - 4
Colchicine analogues: effect on amyloidogenesis in a murine model and, in vitro, on polymorphonuclear leukocytes; Wolach B et al.; Colchicine has been used in diverse clinical settings such as gout, familial Mediterranean fever, liver cirrhosis, Behcet's disease and pericarditis . It also has an antimitotic potential hitherto unexplored due to its narrow therapeutic toxic ratio . The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness and the toxicity of colchicine and three analogues: thiocolchicine, 2,3 dimethyl-colchicine and 3-dimethylthiocolchicine in the blockage of amyloid synthesis in a murine model . 3-demethylthiocolchicine was equipotent to colchicine in the blockage of casein induced amyloidogenesis . However, it was markedly less toxic (LD50 11.3 mg kg-1 vs . 1.6 mg kg-1) . Thiocolchicine was toxic (LD50 1.0 mg kg-1) and 2,3 didemethyl-colchicine was far less effective . The effect of 3-dimethylthiocolchicine on polymorphonuclear leukocytes was then compared to colchicine . The effect of this analogue on inhibition of chemotaxis was equivalent to that of colchicine whereas the latter was superior to the analogue in the suppression of phagocytosis (by a ratio of 2:1) and in the inhibition of bactericidal activity (by a ratio of 10:1) . Since in therapeutic concentrations the only detectable effect of colchicine on PMNs is inhibition of chemotaxis, our data may point to 3-demethylthiocolchicine as an optional, perhaps superior alternative to colchicine for some of its therapeutic indications.

Kidney Int, 1992 Sep, 42(3), 602 - 9
Decreased O2 consumption by PMNL from humans and rats with CRF: role of secondary hyperparathyroidism; Kiersztejn M et al.; Bactericidal ability of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) is impaired in chronic renal failure (CRF) . This function of PMNL is mediated by the generation of oxidizing radicals and the latter event requires O2 consumption by these cells . The present study examined both basal and FMLP-stimulated rise in cytosolic calcium ({Ca2+}i) and O2 consumption of PMNL from normal subjects and hemodialysis patients and from CRF rats, and evaluated the potential role of secondary hyperparathyroidism of CRF on these properties of PMNL . Basal levels of {Ca2+}i were significantly higher, and FMLP-induced increments in {Ca2+}i were significantly lower in PMNL of both humans and rats with CRF than in normals . Basal and FMLP-stimulated O2 consumption were significantly lower in CRF subjects and rats than in normals . These derangements were prevented by prior parathyroidectomy of CRF rats or by their treatment with verapamil from day one of CRF . Also, therapy of rats with pre-existing CRF with this drug reversed the abnormalities in {Ca2+}i and in O2 consumption of PMNL . The data indicate that: (1) CRF is associated with derangements in the homeostasis of {Ca2+}i of PMNL and their oxygen consumption, (2) these abnormalities are, most likely, mediated by the state of secondary hyperparathyroidism of CRF, and (3) verapamil, which blocks the PTH-induced entry of calcium into cells, and prevents as well as reverses these PMNL dysfunctions . These results implicate the excess PTH of CRF in the genesis of the defective bactericidal function of PMNL, and assign a new dimension to PTH toxicity in CRF.

Infect Immun, 1992 Sep, 60(9), 3852 - 60
Inhibition of bactericidal activity of anticapsular antibody by nonspecific antibodies reactive with surface-exposed antigenic determinants on Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae; Udeze FA et al.; In an attempt to understand the mechanism of serum resistance in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, in the present study we examined various interactions among the bacterial surface constituents, serum antibodies, and complement . Analysis of swine sera revealed the presence of anticapsular antibodies in convalescent-phase sera but not in preimmune sera . Both types of sera contained antibodies which reacted with each of 14 polypeptides present in saline extracts of the bacteria . Absorption of the preimmune sera with intact bacteria depleted antibodies to two of the polypeptides (27 and 32 kDa) and high-molecular-weight (greater than 97.4,000) components which did not stain with Coomassie blue . Data derived from complement consumption and C3-binding experiments indicated that the organism was capable of initiating complement activation and binding C3 during incubation in preimmune and immune sera . Experiments designed to evaluate the bactericidal effectiveness of anticapsular antibody revealed that the purified antibody was bactericidal only when preimmune sera absorbed with intact bacteria were used as a source of complement . The bactericidal effects of anticapsular antibody and absorbed preimmune sera were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by heat-inactivated preimmune sera and immunoglobulin G derived from the sera . The inhibitory activity of the preimmune sera was neutralized by preincubating the sera with column fractions of the saline extract which contained either the 27- or the 32-kDa polypeptide . These results indicate that serum resistance in A . pleuropneumoniae 4074 could be related to inhibition of the bactericidal action of anticapsular antibody by nonspecific antibodies which recognize surface-exposed epitopes on the polypeptides.

Rev Hosp Clin Fac Med Sao Paulo, 1992 Sep-Oct, 47(5), 215 - 22
{The effect of lipid emulsions on the mechanisms of organic defense in infectious injury}; Waitzberg DL et al.; For treatment of metabolic derangements in infective states intravenous lipidic emulsions have been used . Their use is however not harmless existing reports on fat inhibiting the function of blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages . The purpose of the research reported herewith was to study in rats the effect of new intravenous lipidic emulsions containing medium chain triglycerides and long chain triglycerides and compare it with the effect of long chain triglycerides emulsion on function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (chemotaxis, phagocytosis and bactericidal activity) . The intraperitoneal implant of an E . coli capsule was used for the study . The transfusions of both lipidic emulsions in septic rats have not altered functions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes when compared with saline infusion . However there was found hepatic steatosis, hypertrophy and presence of fat globules in the Kupffer cells in rats infused with medium chain and long chain triglyceride emulsions . Sequential blood cultures obtained from rats infused with the emulsions showed increased bacterial growth with medium chain triglyceride emulsion . There was no significant difference between the rats that received both lipid infusions and those that received saline infusions as to the mortality . Our experimental study suggests that the use of fat emulsions in infective states be done with care and monitoring of seric triglycerides and steroids.

Mol Microbiol, 1992 Sep, 6(18), 2617 - 28
Antibodies to N-terminal peptides of gonococcal porin are bactericidal when gonococcal lipopolysaccharide is not sialylated; Elkins C et al.; Six synthetic 25-mer peptides corresponding to certain presumed surface-exposed regions of gonococcal porin protein I (PI) were made from strains FA19 (PIA) and MS11 (PIB) . Four peptides were immunogenic in rabbits . Affinity-purified antisera against both PIA and PIB N-terminal peptides were bactericidal for homologous gonococci and many heterologous PI serovars . However, sialylation of gonococcal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by growth of gonococci in the presence of cytidine monophosphate-neuraminic acid (CMP-NANA) abrogated the bactericidal activity of these antisera . Binding of anti-PI monoclonal antibodies to whole gonococci was reduced two- to fourfold by sialylation of LPS, suggesting that sialylation may inhibit bactericidal activity by masking porin epitopes . However, binding of anti-PII (Opa) monoclonal antibodies was not inhibited, yet complement-mediated killing was inhibited by sialylated LPS . Binding of complement components C3 and C9 was inhibited in the presence of either anti-PI or anti-PII monoclonals when gonococci were grown in the presence of CMP-NANA . Thus sialylation inhibited both anti-PI antibody binding and complement deposition, with a resultant decrease in bactericidal activity.

Ugeskr Laeger, 1992 Aug 17, 154(34), 2318 - 9
{Conservative treatment of brain abscess complicating neonatal Escherichia coli meningitis}; Bottzauw JL et al.; The case of a newborn infant who developed meningitis caused by E . coli is presented . During i.v . treatment with ampicillin and gentamycin in recommended doses and according to susceptibility patterns, the patient developed cerebral abscesses detected on CT . After changing to third generation cephalosporin, the patient improved clinically and the CT-changes regressed and disappeared . Because of their superior bactericidal effect, we recommend a third generation cephalosporin as a first choice in the treatment of neonatal E . coli meningitis.

Infect Immun, 1992 Aug, 60(8), 3098 - 104
Selection of an escape variant of Borrelia burgdorferi by use of bactericidal monoclonal antibodies to OspB; Coleman JL et al.; Two immunoglobulin G (IgG) monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to outer surface protein B (CB2 and CB6), affinity purified from mouse ascitic fluid, exhibited concentration-dependent inhibitory and bactericidal properties against Borrelia burgdorferi after a 24-h incubation period in spirochete medium . Fab fragments derived from these MAbs showed the same effects, indicating that they were not caused by agglutination of the organisms by the intact MAbs . The inhibition of spirochete growth in cultures containing MAbs was also detected by spectrophotometric analysis of the media . CB2 did not inhibit the growth of Borrelia hermsii or the BEP4 strain of B . burgdorferi, neither of which is recognized by the MAb . Affinity-purified IgG from hybridoma supernatants had similar effects on B . burgdorferi as the ascitic-fluid-derived IgG did, indicating that the inhibitory and bactericidal properties were not due to nonspecific toxic contaminants . The bactericidal properties of the MAbs were not complement dependent as there was none in the serum-free system . Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of B . burgdorferi organisms surviving after exposure to CB2 revealed an escape variant which failed to express OspB . The continued presence of OspA in these escape variants indicates that the lack of OspB was not due to the loss of the plasmid which contains the genes for both of these proteins.

Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi, 1992 Aug, 30(8), 1520 - 5
{Production of reactive oxygen species by rat alveolar macrophages . Dissociation between the intracellular and extracellular release of hydrogen peroxide}; Uwabe Y et al.; In order to clarify the features of reactive oxygen species produced by rat alveolar macrophages (AMs), the concentrations of intracellular and extracellular hydrogen peroxide were measured under various experimental conditions . Intracellular hydrogen peroxide was measured by DCFH method using a flow cytometer, while the extracellularly released fraction was measured by scopoletin method using a spectrophotometer . The concentration of intracellular hydrogen peroxide after stimulation with opsonized zymosan (10 micrograms/ml) was significantly higher than that after stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA; 100 ng/ml) . On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide released extracellularly after stimulation with PMA was significantly greater that that after stimulation with opsonized zymosan . These results indicate that the soluble membrane stimulant and the phagocytic particles have different mechanisms in activating the production of hydrogen peroxide in AMs . That is, hydrogen peroxide induced by PMA was mainly released extracellularly, while that induced by zymosan was mainly released into the intracellular environment . At rest, the concentration of intracellular hydrogen peroxide in rat AMs was high . Potassium cyanate, a known mitochondrial inhibitor, suppressed the intracellular hydrogen peroxide in AMs not only at rest but also after stimulations, indicating that most of the reactive oxygen species released into the intracellular environment in AM are produced by mitochondria . From these results, in order to gain a closer insight into the function of AMs, it is very important to distinguish the oxidative metabolites produced intracellularly which are related to bactericidal function from those of the extracellularly released fraction which give rise to lung damage.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1992 Aug, 36(8), 1695 - 8
Bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities of gentamicin alone and in combination with clarithromycin against Mycobacterium avium; Heifets LB et al.; The inhibitory activity of gentamicin against Mycobacterium avium depended on the pH of the medium, and the broth-determined MICs for 90% of strains were 5.0 micrograms/ml at pH 7.4, 9.5 micrograms/ml at pH 6.8, and greater than 16.0 micrograms/ml at pH 5.0 . The MBCs were two- to eightfold higher than the MICs . The combined effect of gentamicin and clarithromycin was additive, and the MICs and MBCs of each drug were either the same as those in the single-drug tests or reduced twofold.

Acta Derm Venereol, 1992 Aug, 72(4), 297 - 300
Roxithromycin in Lyme borreliosis: discrepant results of an in vitro and in vivo animal susceptibility study and a clinical trial in patients with erythema migrans; Hansen K et al.; A new semisynthetic macrolide roxithromycin was evaluated for its potential use in the treatment of Lyme borreliosis . Using a macro-dilution broth technique, Borrelia burgdorferi was shown to be susceptible to roxithromycin with a minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 0.06-0.25 microgram/ml . A systemic B . burgdorferi infection was established in gerbils; a dosage of greater than or equal to 25 mg/kg/day roxithromycin for 10 days eliminated the infection . A single blind, randomized multicenter study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of roxithromycin 150 mg b.i.d . versus phenoxymethyl-penicillin 1 g b.i.d . for 10 days in patients with uncomplicated erythema migrans . The study was interrupted when 19 patients had enrolled because of five treatment failures . All 5 patients had received roxithromycin; three patients had persisting or recurrent erythema migrans, one developed a secondary erythema migrans-like lesion and severe arthralgia and one developed neuroborreliosis . B . burgdorferi was isolated from skin biopsies after roxithromycin therapy from two patients with persistent erythema migrans and both isolates were still highly susceptible to roxithromycin (MBC = 0.03 microgram/ml) . No treatment failures were seen in 10 patients treated with phenoxymethyl-penicillin . Roxithromycin is thus not recommended for treatment of Lyme borreliosis.

Dtsch Tierarztl Wochenschr, 1992 Aug, 99(8), 347 - 9
Characterization of serum lysosomal enzymatic activities . II . Effect of lumpy skin disease in Egyptian cows; Abdalla MA et al.; Clinical findings and lysosomal enzymes (LYE) in eight lumpy skin diseases (LSD) cows and same number of healthy ones were reported in Tal-El Baker village and Tal Alkabir centre, Ismailia province, Egypt . LSD began with fever, anorexia, skin lesions in form of nodules all over the body, which disappeared spontaneously or gathered to form large lumps . It was complicated with respiratory manifestation, corneal opacity, mastitis, dehydration and later on recumbency . It is noteworthy that the level of 3 LYE showed the same trend of significant reduction in acute stage of the disease (5 days after occurrence of LSD) probably due to injection of animals with a therapeutics dose of terramycin . Acid-phosphatase (ACP) enzyme is the sole that behaved very high significant increase in the serum in acute stage of LSD due to the damaged tissues caused by the virus . It underwent insignificant decrease in late stage of the disease (20 days after its occurrence) to restore the normal LYE level in control cows indicating recovery . Alpha-galactosidase (alpha-GAL) decreased perpetually by the progression of LSD because of the decreased bactericidal index which ist in concomitance with the secondary bacterial invader . N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (beta-NAG) and beta-galactosidase (beta-GAL) in LYE had the same fluctuating manner . The activities showed very highly significant decrease in acute stage, followed by highly significant and significant increases (late LSD stage) respectively . The appreciable significant increase of beta-GAL may declare the effect of anorexia on LSD . In view of these findings, it can be postulated that LSD may be diagnosed and prognosed through LYE changes in the serum.

J Med Microbiol, 1992 Jul, 37(1), 3 - 7
Killing of alpha-haemolytic and non-haemolytic Escherichia coli strains in human serum and polymorphonuclear leucocytes; Siegfried L et al.; The role of alpha-haemolysin (AH) in the resistance of Escherichia coli strains, isolated from patients with extra-intestinal diseases or diarrhoea, to the bactericidal activity of human serum and intracellular killing in polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL) was investigated in vitro . Sets of alpha-haemolytic and non-haemolytic E . coli strains and sets of isogenic E . coli strains, which included wild-type alpha-haemolytic strains and derived strains with a reduced production of AH, were used . Compared with non-haemolytic strains, alpha-haemolytic strains were significantly more resistant to the bactericidal activity of 10% and 100% human serum and to intracellular killing in PMNL . Higher resistance to serum killing and to intracellular killing in PMNL was also found in wild-type alpha-haemolytic E . coli than in isogenic bacteria with reduced production of AH . These results provide evidence that production of AH in E . coli strains counteracts both the bactericidal activity of serum and intracellular killing in PMNL.

Surg Gynecol Obstet, 1992 Jul, 175(1), 33 - 40
The influence of an attachable subcutaneous cuff for preventing triple lumen catheter infections in critically ill surgical and trauma patients; Norwood S et al.; One hundred and ninety-one triple lumen central venous catheters were placed into 107 sites in 81 surgical and trauma patients who were prospectively studied to determine the rate of catheter related infection using a subcutaneous cuff of biodegradable collagen containing bactericidal silver and a guide wire exchange protocol . Thirty-seven sites in 36 nonseptic patients (group 1) were compared with 70 sites in 45 septic patients (group 2) . The data were also compared with data consecutively collected one year earlier, using the same exchange protocol without the cuff . Fourteen of 70 sites in group 2 had catheter related infections, with seven causing bloodstream infection . Five of 14 were the result of fungus, with three causing fungemia . Two of 37 sites in group 1 had catheter related infections (p = 0.044), with no associated bacteremia . The number of triple lumen catheter related infections and associated bacteremia or fungemia are higher in septic patients compared with nonseptic critically ill surgical and trauma patients . The cuff significantly prolongs time of catheter site use in patients who are nonseptic, but may be of no benefit in reducing infection rates or prolonging site use time in patients who are septic and may predispose to fungal colonization.

J Infect Dis, 1992 Jul, 166(1), 53 - 7
Complement factor 9 deficiency in serum of human neonates; Lassiter HA et al.; The serum concentration of complement factor C9 (C9) was 260 +/- 47 micrograms/ml (+/- SE) in 14 mothers and less than 42 micrograms/ml in each of their 14 neonates . During incubation for 60 min, 11 of 14 maternal sera and 3 of 14 neonatal sera reduced the survival of Escherichia coli O7w:K1:NM to less than 20% of the original inoculum (P less than .03) . Eleven neonatal sera did not kill the bacteria . Supplemental C9 (60 micrograms/ml) enhanced the bactericidal capacity of 10 neonatal sera . 125I-labeled C9 was deposited onto E . coli by neonatal sera, but less efficiently than by pooled adult sera . Supplemental IgG enhanced 125I-labeled C9 deposition and potentiated the bactericidal activity of exogenous C9 . Therefore, neonatal sera contained diminished concentrations of C9 and killed E . coli inefficiently . In neonatal sera, supplemental C9 was deposited onto E . coli and enhanced bactericidal activity . These effects of C9 were potentiated by supplemental IgG.

Clin Ther, 1992 Jul-Aug, 14(4), 578 - 94
In vitro and in vivo effects of clindamycin on polymorphonuclear leukocyte function; Santos JI et al.; The effects of clindamycin on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) were evaluated in vitro and in vivo in an experimental model and in immunocompromised patients with and without infection . Chemotaxis, chemiluminescence, and bactericidal capacity were evaluated using PMNLs preincubated with clindamycin in different concentrations . In the three phases of the study, clindamycin at a concentration of 2 mg/L significantly increased PMNL function . In contrast, when higher concentrations were used, PMNL function was not modified and in some cases it was decreased . Our findings suggest that clindamycin, in concentrations of 2 mg/L, positively modifies PMNL function.

Reg Immunol, 1992 Jul-Aug, 4(4), 236 - 44
Immunological characterization of pulmonary intravascular macrophages; Chitko-McKown CG et al.; Pulmonary intravascular macrophages (PIMs) are lung macrophages found apposed to the endothelium of pulmonary capillaries . In many species, they are responsible for the clearance of blood-borne particulates and pathogens; however, little else is known about their roles as immunologic effector cells . We compared PIMs with pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) to determine the relative immunological activities of these two cell populations . Our results suggested that both populations possess similar phagocytic and bactericidal activities . In assays measuring cytotoxicity, PIMs were more cytotoxic than PAMs against virally infected target cells; however, differences between these macrophage populations were not as marked when noninfected targets were used . LPS-stimulated PIMs produced more T-cell proliferative cytokines than PAMs, and both populations of nonstimulated macrophages produced similar amounts of the cytokines . In contrast, PAMs produced more TNF alpha and NO2- than PIMs when both populations were stimulated with LPS; however, nonstimulated PAMs and PIMs produced similar amounts of TNF alpha and NO2 . These data suggest that bovine PIMs are immunologically active . Differences between the degrees of activity of PIMs and PAMs indicate that these macrophage populations may have different roles in lung surveillance.

Immunol Lett, 1992 Jul, 33(2), 145 - 50
Phagocytosis and microbicidal capacity of human monocytes in the course of HIV infection; Szkaradkiewicz A; Phagocytosis and bactericidal activity of human monocytes were studied in asymptomatic HIV carriers and in patients with clinically apparent HIV infection, diagnosed as persistent generalised lymphadenopathy (PGL) or AIDS-related complex (ARC) . Monocytes of asymptomatic HIV carriers manifested no significant changes while a decreased phagocytosis was shown by monocytes in the majority of patients with PGL or ARC . The latter patients also exhibited a decreased bactericidal activity of the cells . Tuftsin and even serum from healthy donors were found to normalise the disturbed monocyte function, the effect of tuftsin being more pronounced . Nevertheless, the examined sera contained neither factors which could stimulate nor factors which could inhibit phagocytosis . The obtained results indicated that the productive phase of HIV infection is associated with disturbed phagocytosis and disturbed microbicidal activity of monocytes, reflecting deficiency of serum factor(s) needed for the normal function of the cells.

J Lipid Res, 1992 Jul, 33(7), 957 - 74
Computational sequence analysis revisited: new databases, software tools, and the research opportunities they engender; Boguski MS; The increasing quantity and complexity of sequences and structural data for proteins and nucleic acids create both problems and opportunities for biomedical researchers . Fortunately, a new generation of practical computer tools for data analysis and integrated information retrieval is emerging . Recent developments in fast database searching, multiple sequence alignment, and molecular modeling are discussed and windows-based, mouse-driven software for CD-ROM and network information retrieval are described . Each method is illustrated with a practical example pertinent to lipid research . In particular, the connection among cholesteryl ester transfer protein, bactericidal permeability-increasing protein, and lipopolysaccharide-binding proteins is determined; novel repetitive sequence motifs in mammalian farnesyltransferase subunits and related yeast prenyltransferases are derived; biochemical insights from a three-dimensional model of human apolipoprotein D based on two insect lipocalins are discussed; the relationship between apolipoprotein D and gross cystic disease fluid protein from human breast is reviewed; and prospects for modeling apolipoprotein E-related proteins are described . In addition, information on a number of general and special-purpose sequence, motif, and structural databases is included.

Clin Orthop, 1992 Jul, (280), 281 - 8
The effect of stainless steel, cobalt-chromium, titanium alloy, and titanium on the respiratory burst activity of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes; Pascual A et al.; Although infection is a serious complication associated with the use of orthopedic prosthetic implants, the impact of the metal used in these devices on host defense is poorly understood . The authors investigated the effect of stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, and cobalt-chromium alloy on the respiratory burst of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), a vital component of bactericidal activity . In the presence of stainless steel powder or supernatants obtained from the incubation of stainless steel in buffer, superoxide production by PMN was significantly impaired . Titanium, titanium alloy, and cobalt-chrome alloy had no significant effect on superoxide production . Nickel and chromium, the only metal ions detectable in the stainless steel supernatant, did not impair superoxide production when tested at concentrations similar to those found in the supernatant . Inhibition of PMN superoxide production may play a role in the establishment and persistence of stainless steel device-related infections.

J Surg Oncol, 1992 Jun, 50(2), 90 - 7
Influence of surgical stress on bactericidal activity of neutrophils and complications of infection in patients with esophageal cancer; Shigemitsu Y et al.; The association between surgical stress-related depression in bactericidal activities of neutrophils and the occurrence of postoperative infections was investigated . Bactericidal activities of neutrophils were measured in 19 patients undergoing esophagectomy, 15 gastrectomy, and 16 cholecystectomy . Five patients had complications of infection following esophagectomy . In 45 patients with no postoperative infections, intracellular killing index (KI) and superoxide anion production (SOP) levels decreased on postoperative day 1 while myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity increased on days 1-3 . In 5 patients with esophageal cancer and postoperative infections, decreases in KI and SOP were less prominent, as compared to findings in 14 esophageal cancer patients without such problems but the MPO activity decreased on days 1-3 . This evidence suggests that postoperative septic complications are not directly associated with surgical stress-related transient depression of bactericidal activities immediately after surgery but rather with neutrophil-mediated tissue injuries based on degranulation.

Arch Biochem Biophys, 1992 Jun, 295(2), 302 - 8
Bactericidal effect of Fe2+, ceruloplasmin, and phosphate; Klebanoff SJ; Fe2+, when combined with ceruloplasmin or phosphate, was bactericidal to Escherichia coli at pH 5.0, and when Fe2+, ceruloplasmin, and phosphate were combined, a bactericidal effect was observed under conditions, i.e., short incubation period, in which Fe2+ plus ceruloplasmin and Fe2+ plus phosphate were ineffective . Bactericidal activity increased with the ceruloplasmin or phosphate concentration to a maximum and then decreased as their concentration was further increased . Fe2+ was oxidized in the presence of ceruloplasmin, phosphate, or, in particular, a combination of the two . A bactericidal effect was observed when there was only a partial loss of Fe2+, with more extensive oxidation resulting in a loss of bactericidal activity . The bactericidal effect of Fe2+ plus ceruloplasmin and/or phosphate was unaffected by catalase or superoxide dismutase and was not associated with iodination . Fe-EDTA was also bactericidal at an Fe2+: EDTA molar ratio of 1:0.5, where Fe2+ was partially oxidized . However, in contrast to Fe2+ plus ceruloplasmin and/or phosphate, bactericidal activity was inhibited by catalase and was associated with iodination . Combinations of Fe2+ and Fe3+ were not bactericidal under the conditions employed . A requirement for Fe2+ plus either a product of Fe2+ oxidation or an iron ceruloplasmin and/or phosphate chelate for bactericidal activity is proposed.

Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1992 Jun, 66(6), 709 - 15
{Biochemical analysis of lipopolysaccharides from respiratory pathogenic Branhamella catarrhalis strains and the role of anti-LPS antibodies in Branhamella respiratory infections}; Tanaka H et al.; We characterized lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) from respiratory pathogenic Branhamella catarrhalis (BC) strains, and evaluated the protective property of anti-BC LPS antibody in BC respiratory infections . LPSs from four strains of BC were lipooligosaccharide having no O-side chain and a M(r) of 3 KDa, as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) . All of them produced different patterns, showing two to four bands on SDS-PAGE . We found high level of anti-BC IgG antibody in convalescent sera from a patient with BC respiratory tract infection by ELISA . This IgG antibody recognized BC LPSs on Western blots . Two respiratory pathogens of BC (strains; 87-122, 88-23) were tested in a bactericidal assay employing a convalescent sera . 87-122 strain was susceptible to antibody-dependent, complement-mediated killing, while 88-23 strain was resistant . The killing of 87-122 strain was inhibited by addition of the homologous BC LPS to the convalescent sera in a dose-dependent manner . These data support that anti-BC LPS antibody may mediate complement-lysis of some strains of BC, and play a protective role in BC respiratory infections.

Infect Agents Dis, 1992 Jun, 1(3), 167 - 71
Adjunctive therapy in bacterial meningitis--what make sense?
Quagliarello V, Scheld WM.
Bacterial meningitis continues to cause morbidity and mortality despite bactericidal antibiotic therapy . Experimental studies of pathophysiology reveal the bacteria and their surface components within cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) induce the release of inflammatory cytokines that promote CSF inflammation, injure the cerebral microvasculature and cause brain edema . Adjunctive corticosteroids reduce inflammation, ameliorate the pathophysiology, and improve neurologic outcome in children . Practical recommendations are made for children and selected adults regarding current and future directions of adjunctive therapy.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1992 May, 58(5), 1705 - 10
Isoliquiritigenin, a strong nod gene- and glyceollin resistance-inducing flavonoid from soybean root exudate; Kape R et al.; Isoflavonoid signal molecules from soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) seed and root exudate induce the transcription of nodulation (nod) genes in Bradyrhizobium japonicum . In this study, a new compound with symbiotic activity was isolated from soybean root exudate . The isolated 2',4',4-trihydroxychalcone (isoliquiritigenin) is characterized by its strong inducing activity for the nod genes of B . japonicum . These genes are already induced at concentrations 1 order of magnitude below those required of the previously described isoflavonoid inducers genistein and daidzein . Isoliquiritigenin is also a potent inducer of glyceollin resistance in B . japonicum, which renders this bacterium insensitive to potentially bactericidal concentrations of glyceollin, the phytoalexin of G . max . No chemotactic effect of isoliquiritigenin was observed . The highly efficient induction of nod genes and glyceollin resistance by isoliquiritigenin suggests the ecological significance of this compound, although it is not a major flavonoid constituent of the soybean root exudate in quantitative terms.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1992 May, 58(5), 1417 - 22
Purification and characterization of a new bacteriocin isolated from a Carnobacterium sp; Stoffels G et al.; A bacteriocin-producing Carnobacterium sp . was isolated from fish . The bacteriocin, termed carnocin UI49, was purified to homogeneity by a four-step purification procedure, including hydrophobic interaction chromatography and reverse-phase chromatography . Carnocin UI49 has a bactericidal mode of action . It was shown to be heat tolerant and stable between pH 2 and 8 . At pH above 8, carnocin UI49 was rapidly inactivated . Amino acid analysis revealed a composition of about 35 to 37 amino acids in addition to an unidentified peak which migrates at the position of lanthionine . Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis suggests a molecular weight of about 4,500 to 5,000 . Mass spectrometry gave a molecular weight of 4,635, which is about 1,000 larger than that calculated from the amino acid analysis data . Performic acid oxidation of carnocin UI49, followed by amino acid hydrolysis, revealed the presence of cysteic acid . The sequence of the first seven amino acid residues was determined to be N-Gly-Ser-Glu-Ile-Gln-Pro-Arg . After the seventh amino acid, carnocin UI49 was not available for further Edman degradation . The results suggest that carnocin UI49 belongs to the class of bacteriocins termed lantibiotics.

Unfallchirurg, 1992 May, 95(5), 259 - 64
{Antibiotic-containing collagen sponge in therapy of osteitis}; Wernet E et al.; In 1988, we treated 47 patients with acute or chronic osteitis by means of a new industrial collagenous sponge containing gentamicin (Sulmycin Implant) as an adjuvant measure . The local surgical management was standard: total excision of all avascular or infected soft tissue and bone, stabilization of pseudarthrosis, the improvement of local circulation and the condition of the soft tissue by means of local or free flaps before autologous bone grafting and antibiotics administered according to the test results . In cases of instability AO external fixation was used . One or two Sulmycin Implants (10 x 10 cm) containing 130 or 260 mg gentamicin were placed in the remaining small cavities or in the transplanted autologous spongy bone . Gentamicin was measured in the wound exsudate for 3-5 days; during this time we found bactericidal concentration in these exsudates . The wounds healed in 44 patients, but we had a persistent fistula in 3 patients (6.3%) . We see collagen-gentamicin sponges as being very useful in the treatment of osteitis . It seems to reduce delayed bone transplantation in infected areas.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1992 May 1, 89(9), 4094 - 8
Synthesis and secretion of wild-type and mutant human plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein in baculovirus-transfected insect cells: the carboxyl-terminal region is required for both lipoprotein binding and catalysis of transfer; Au-Young J et al.; Functional plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP; 476 amino acids) has been expressed in baculovirus-transfected Sf9 insect cells by using a full-length cDNA derived from a human placental library . The product bound to each major plasma lipoprotein class, and it catalyzed the transfer of both cholesteryl esters and triglyceride . CETP species with overlapping deletions were generated in the carboxyl-terminal region . These mutants were defective in cholesteryl ester and triglyceride transfer . Structural and functional analysis suggests that normal lipoprotein binding and effective catalysis may require the carboxyl-terminal sequence -Phe-Leu-Leu-Leu- (residues 454-457), possibly with the involvement of other sequences in the carboxyl-terminal region . A similar sequence is contained in several other proteins whose functions involve binding nonpolar lipids, including lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, bactericidal permeability-increasing protein, cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase, cholesterol esterase, and hormone-sensitive lipase . These data suggest that a conserved neutral lipid-binding sequence may be one important factor in the activity of CETP and possibly in several other proteins of plasma and cellular lipid metabolism.

J Infect Dis, 1992 May, 165(5), 953 - 6
Distribution of polysaccharide side chains of lipopolysaccharide determine resistance of Escherichia coli to the bactericidal activity of serum; Porat R et al.; The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of serum-sensitive strains of Escherichia coli was compared with LPS derived from serum-resistant clones . Polysaccharide O-antigen side chains (PSSC) of LPS from serum-resistant clones contained 12%-40% more of the longer carbohydrate molecules (L-PSSC) than did LPS from serum-sensitive parent strains; in contrast, 12%-27% more of the shorter PSSC (S-PSSC) were found in LPS from serum-sensitive strains . The sensitivity or resistance to the bactericidal activity of human serum correlated with the distribution and the length of PSSC fractions of LPS . This was demonstrated in a liposome model in which LPS was incorporated into simulated bacterial membranes . The incubation of serum with liposomes incorporated with various ratios of S-PSSC-to-L-PSSC concentrations resulted in liposomal lysis at S-PSSC-to-L-PSSC ratios greater than 2:1 . These findings demonstrate the importance of the length of carbohydrate side chains of LPS in determining sensitivity or resistance to the bactericidal activity of human serum.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1992 May, 36(5), 913 - 9
Evidence that tetracycline analogs whose primary target is not the bacterial ribosome cause lysis of Escherichia coli; Oliva B et al.; The modes of action of atypical tetracyclines that do not directly inhibit bacterial protein synthesis were investigated . The analogs tested, chelocardin, anhydrotetracycline, 6-thiatetracycline, anhydrochlortetracycline, and 4-epi-anhydrochlortetracycline, were bactericidal and caused the lysis of Escherichia coli accompanied by the release of the cytoplasmic enzyme beta-galactosidase into the supernatant . Examination by electron microscopy demonstrated that cells exposed to these analogs underwent marked morphological alterations that included the formation of numerous ghosts and the appearance of cellular debris in the culture medium . Although atypical tetracyclines promoted lysis in intact organisms, they did not cause lysis of E . coli spheroplasts, indicating that the analogs do not directly destroy the cytoplasmic membrane . These agents may promote cell lysis and death by interfering with the membrane's electrochemical gradient, which in turn leads to stimulation of autolytic enzyme activity and cellular lysis . The results support recently published data which indicate that tetracyclines are divisible into two classes on the basis of their modes of action.

Nippon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi, 1992 May, 29(5), 411 - 5
{Bactericidal clothes protect against respiratory infections in the elderly patients}; Meguro K et al.; In order to protect against infections in the elderly patients, bactericidal clothes were used . Ninety elderly patients were divided into two groups; the control group and the other group with bactericidal clothes . In period I neither group received particular treatment for three months and in period II only the treated group used bactericidal clothes for three months . The control group in period II used regular clothes throughout . Cause of fever (greater than 37 degrees C) extending more than 10 or 15 days were significantly lower in the treated group than in the control group . It was suggested that the bactericidal clothes reduce infections in elderly patients.

J Hepatol, 1992 May, 15(1-2), 147 - 53
Lactoferrin and lysozyme in the intrahepatic bile duct of normal livers and hepatolithiasis . An immunohistochemical study; Saito K et al.; Lactoferrin and lysozyme have bactericidal activities and are responsible for mucosal defense against local bacterial infections . To assess the local defense mechanisms in the intrahepatic biliary tree, we studied the distribution of lactoferrin and lysozyme immunohistochemically in 14 normal autopsy livers and in 29 surgically resected and two autopsy livers of hepatolithiasis . In the latter, bacterial infection was constantly found . Lactoferrin and lysozyme were detected in low doses and in specific areas in the intramural and extramural glands of certain normal livers . In contrast, in hepatolithiasis, the incidence of lactoferrin- and lysozyme-positive cases significantly increased both in the intramural glands (94% and 77% of 31 cases, respectively) and in the extramural glands (72% and 48% of 29 cases, respectively) (p less than 0.01) in the stone-containing bile ducts . These glands proliferated considerably in the stone-containing bile ducts and were stained more widely and intensely than in normal livers . These data suggest that these proliferated peribiliary glands in the stone-containing bile ducts produce and secrete significant amounts of lactoferrin and lysozyme . Increased production and secretion of lactoferrin and lysozyme suggests activated local defense mechanisms against bacterial infection in the stone-containing bile ducts, and may be beneficial for inhibition of the growth of calculi and prevention of the suppurative inflammation.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1992 May, 11(5), 427 - 31
Evaluation of ciprofloxacin and doxycycline in the treatment of Mediterranean spotted fever; Ruiz Beltran R et al.; A comparison was made of the results obtained with ciprofloxacin (750 mg/12 h) and doxycycline (100 mg/12 h), both administered p.o . for one week, in 34 and 36 patients respectively with Mediterranean spotted fever . Apyrexia was achieved after 50.1 +/- 34.2 h (mean +/- SD) of antibiotic therapy in the group of patients treated with ciprofloxacin and in 55.2 +/- 23.3 h in the group treated with doxycycline (no significant statistical differences) . Resolution of the remaining signs and symptoms of the disease was achieved faster with ciprofloxacin . Both therapeutic regimens were effective and safe . Although more expensive than doxycycline, ciprofloxacin is a bactericidal compound which is better tolerated and has a lower risk of toxicity and of development of resistance . It can be considered, together with doxycycline, as an antibiotic of first choice in the treatment of Mediterranean spotted fever.

Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1992 May, 66(5), 599 - 605
{Protective activity of tea and catechins against Bordetella pertussis}; Horiuchi Y et al.; We examined the bactericidal activity of tea and catechins against Bordetella pertussis . Green tea, black tea and coffee showed marked bactericidal activity at their concentrations in beverages, while pu-erh tea killed the bacteria in a moderate way . (-) Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) and theaflavin digallate (TF3) showed also marked bactericidal activity . Green tea and black tea also effectively blocked the adhesion of B . pertussis to HeLa and CHO cells, whereas ECGg and TF3 could not . EGCg and TF3 markedly inactivated leuco-lymphocytosis promoting activity of pertussis toxin . Black tea showed slight but significant inactivation of the activity, whereas green tea showed no inactivation . These results suggest that green tea, black tea, EGCg and TF3 might act as prophylactic agents against pertussis infection.

Gut, 1992 May, 33(5), 592 - 6
Effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on colloidal bismuth subcitrate concentration in gastric mucus; Munoz DJ et al.; Necropsy gastric mucus infected with Helicobacter pylori has a reduced capacity to concentrate colloidal bismuth subcitrate when compared with non-infected mucus . Mucus mounted in a modified in vitro diffusion chamber was bathed with colloidal bismuth subcitrate solutions at different concentrations and pH levels . Bismuth was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry to assess intramucus colloidal bismuth subcitrate concentrations . Bismuth concentrations in non-infected mucus were higher than in Helicobacter pylori infected mucus at all experimental colloidal bismuth subcitrate concentrations and pH levels . Regardless of the infection status, the intramucus concentration of colloidal bismuth subcitrate was dependent upon the concentration of the bathing solution and independent of the pH and the mucus thickness . Colloidal bismuth subcitrate solubility in saline solution varied with pH, and was least soluble in the pH range 1.1 to 3.25 and more soluble above and below this pH range . This study suggests that Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with physicochemical changes in the gastric mucus with a reduction in its capacity to concentrate colloidal bismuth subcitrate . Such a reduction may compromise the attainment of optimum colloidal bismuth subcitrate concentrations necessary for its bactericidal activity.

J Hosp Infect, 1992 May, 21(1), 51 - 60
Bacterial contamination and the effect of filters in anaesthetic circuits in a simulated patient model; Leijten DT et al.; In order to investigate bacterial contamination of anaesthetic breathing circuits and means of prevention of this, six different laboratory experiments were performed . These experiments involved the bacterial contamination of Drager Narkose Spiromat 650 and Drager AV-1 circle system circuits and of an isolated soda lime carbon dioxide absorber . The effects of anaesthetic gas, gas flow rate and the incorporation of a hydrophobic membrane heat and moisture exchanging bacterial/viral filter (HMEF) at the patient end of these circuits were investigated . It was found that without a HMEF the whole interior of the anaesthetic circuits became contaminated with bacteria . Components closest to the simulated patient showed the highest levels of contamination . Higher gas flows were associated with decreased levels of circuit contamination, presumably because more bacteria were expelled from the system . Halothane (1 volume %) and soda lime were not found to have any demonstrable bactericidal action . The presence of a HMEF between the simulated patient and the Y-piece prevented any detectable contamination from reaching the circuit . Consequently, the presence of a HMEF provides protection of the anaesthetic circuit as well as other patients, healthcare workers and the environment.

J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol, 1992 May-Jun, 2(3), 167 - 70
Bronchial asthma due to sensitization to chloramine T; Blasco A et al.; Chloramine T, an organic, highly reactive derivative of chlorine with potent bactericidal properties, is used as a disinfectant in the food industry . Described as an occupational sensitizer in 1945 for the first time, it produces late or dual asthma, occasionally accompanied by fever and leukocytosis, which is mediated by IgE . We present the case of a male dairy worker who, after 4 years of exposure to the product, developed rhinitis and asthma . Skin tests with chloramine T were positive at a concentration of 10 mg/ml, while all other allergens tested negative . RAST detected specific IgE at 12 PRU and bronchial provocation induced immediate and late bronchoconstriction.

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis, 1992 May-Jun, 15(4), 367 - 70
In vitro activity of DNA gyrase inhibitors, singly and in combination, against Mycobacterium avium complex; Babinchak TJ et al.; The in vitro activities of the DNA gyrase inhibitors ciprofloxacin, coumermycin, and novobiocin against 31 clinical isolates of Mycobacterium avium complex were studied using a microdilution technique . Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined in 4 days using Middlebrook 7H9 broth, and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were determined by subculturing to Middlebrook 7H10 agar . MICs were: ciprofloxacin, 0.5-greater than 16 (mean, 4.1) micrograms/ml; novobiocin, 4-greater than 128 (mean, 54.7) micrograms/ml; and coumermycin, 2-greater than 16 (mean, 17.5) micrograms/ml . MBCs were usually more than two dilution steps higher than MICs . Checkerboard studies failed to reveal synergistic or antagonistic inhibitory activity of DNA gyrase-A and DNA gyrase-B inhibitors in vitro.

Infect Immun, 1992 May, 60(5), 1854 - 7
Inactivation of human serum bactericidal activity by a trypsinlike protease isolated from Porphyromonas gingivalis; Grenier D; A protease was isolated from an outer membrane vesicle preparation of Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 and assessed for its ability to inactivate the bactericidal activity of normal human serum . The enzyme, which was activated by reducing agents, was found to be a trypsinlike protease with a molecular mass of approximately 80 kDa . Prior to being tested in the bactericidal assay, pooled human serum was preincubated with the partially purified enzyme . Under conditions in which the trypsinlike protease was activated, a strong reduction of the serum bactericidal activity against Capnocytophaga ochracea was noted . On the other hand, no reduction of the bactericidal action of serum was observed when the serum-protease mixture was preincubated in the presence of an inhibitor of the enzyme . As determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the protease was shown to degrade immunoglobulins G and M as well as complement factor C3 . This study confirms the previous hypothesis that the proteases of P . gingivalis can interfere with the protective action of human serum.

Zhonghua Yan Ke Za Zhi, 1992 May, 28(3), 170 - 2
{An experimental study of gentamycin delivery into cornea and aqueous humor from the collagen corneal shield}; Huang ZP et al.; Collagen corneal shields immersed in 13.33 mg/ml gentamycin solution for 5 minutes were placed in rabbit eyes and the gentamycin concentrations in the cornea and aqueous humor were determined with radioimmunoassay . The results were compared with those achieved by soft contact lens, subconjunctival injection, and frequent instillations . It was found that (1) 1 and 3 hours after application, the collagen corneal shield produced significantly higher concentration of gentamycin in the aqueous than did the other methods, and in the cornea than did the contact lens or instillations; and (2) 6 hours after application, the antibiotic level in the cornea dropped lower than that by subconjunctival injection, but still 15-30 times higher than the bactericidal concentration.

Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis, 1992 Apr, 15(2), 137 - 42
Phagocytosis of latex beads by alveolar macrophages from mice exposed to cigarette smoke; Ortega E et al.; Cigarette smoking is known to alter the numerical presence and function of alveolar macrophages . It has been speculated that these cigarette-smoke-induced alterations contribute to the depressed pulmonary defence mechanism commonly demonstrated in smokers . Studies of the phagocytic and bactericidal activities of alveolar macrophages from smokers and non-smokers have yielded conflicting results . The purpose of this study was to investigate the phagocytic capacity of alveolar macrophages from mice exposed to cigarette smoke in relation to the ability to ingest inert particles (latex beads) . Measurements were made before (basal values), immediately after, and 1, 12 or 24 h after exposure . Significant decreases were observed in the number of latex beads ingested by 100 macrophages (phagocytic index) and in the phagocytic efficiency for ingesting latex (mean number of latex beads ingested per activated macrophages) immediately after and 1 h after exposure, and in the number of activated macrophages (those with phagocytic activity) immediately after exposure.

Infect Immun, 1992 Apr, 60(4), 1558 - 67
Effects of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae hemolysin on porcine neutrophil function; Udeze FA et al.; In an attempt to gain insight into the events that take place during Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infection, the present study was designed to ascertain the effects of bacterial toxicity on porcine neutrophil functions and viability . Incubation of phagocytes (2 x 10(6)) with opsonized A . pleuropneumoniae 4074 (2 x 10(7) CFU) resulted in phagocytic uptake of less than or equal to 4% . At the same bacterium-to-phagocyte ratio, levels of lactate dehydrogenase activity of 74 and 81% were detected in the extracellular medium after 1.5 and 3 h of incubation, respectively . Furthermore, the ingested bacteria were not killed by the phagocytes . These effects were ascribed to hemolysin produced by the bacteria, because the presence of hemolysin-neutralizing antibody prevented overt cellular damage, significantly increased phagocytic uptake (P less than 0.001), and resulted in an approximately 10-fold decrease in the number of CFU of the ingested bacteria . Cytolytic doses of isolated hemolysin caused dose-related loss of cell viability, diminished bactericidal activity of toxin-treated phagocytes for Escherichia coli, and decreased the ability of the phagocytes to undergo a respiratory burst upon stimulation with phorbol myristic acetate . In contrast, sublytic doses of the hemolysin activated the phagocytes and caused them to respond to phorbol myristic acetate with increased generation of superoxide anion . Because heated (100 degrees C, 5 min) hemolysin preparations did not produce similar effects, we contend that the observed effects were not due to contaminating endotoxin . The data presented herein indicate that A . pleuropneumoniae hemolysin is a potent antiphagocytic virulence factor by virtue of its leukocidal activity . Sublytic doses of the toxin may have important effects on the oxidative metabolism of phagocytic cells.

Indian J Med Res, 1992 Apr, 96, 91 - 5
Secondary immune defects in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; Datta U et al.; Changes in the humoral, cellular and phagocytic components of the immune system were investigated in 44 biopsy proven, untreated patients of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) . There was significant decrease in the total lymphocyte number, their subsets (T and B) and the T helper (T mu) population . Impaired leukocyte migration inhibition response and DNA synthesis following stimulation by phytohaemagglutinin were noted . Significant reduction of serum IgA was found in patients of both diffuse and nodular NHL . Phagocytic activity and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction were unaltered, but chemotaxis was significantly reduced and bactericidal activity showed variable results.

Pneumoftiziologia, 1992 Apr-Sep, 41(2-3), 99 - 101
{The efficacy of ethambutol compared to streptomycin in the initial quadruple phase of short-term regimens}; Marica C et al.; In order to test comparatively SM and EMB efficacies within quadruple regimens of short-term chemotherapy, two groups of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis at first treatment, sputum positive under microscopic examination, were constituted through randomization . One group (59 cases) was submitted to the standard regimen RHSZ 2/7, and the other (61 cases) to RHZE 2/7 . Group structure was homogeneous from the standpoint of case repartition, according to the anatomo-radiological form, therapeutical regimen, and sensitivity to Tb drugs . Both bacteriological and radiological clinical evolutions show, even in the conditions of a short-time interval (2 months), a similar efficacy of SM and EMB within the quadruple regimens in the initially intensive phase of anti-Tb treatment . It is possible that the results may be dependent upon the concomitantly bactericidal action of: rifampicin, hydrazide and pyrazinamide . Therefore, a further testing of the comparative efficacy of the triple regimen RHZ 2/7 with the quadruple RHSZ 2/7 and RHZE 2/7 during a longer follow-up is required.

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi (Taipei), 1992 Apr, 49(4), 253 - 8
{The interrelationship between the O2-dependent bactericidal mechanism and hyperbilirubinemia of newborn}; Wu PY et al.; In order to investigate the influence of indirect bilirubin to O2-dependent bactericidal mechanism in adult and newborn phagocytes we use the NBT reduction activity of granulocytes and monocytes as index, by infiltrated granulocytes and monocytes in different concentration of indirect bilirubin with or without latex stimulator . The NBT reduction activity of granulocytes infiltrated in 20 mg/dl indirect bilirubin will increase slightly, compared to uninfiltrated; but with latex stimulator, the increment will decrease significantly, this change is reversible, when indirect bilirubin be washed, the stimulating capacity by latex stimulator in granulocyte will be stronger; there were no such change pattern in monocytes . Since there were a big difference in NBT reduction activity of granulocytes and monocytes between newborns, with or without latex stimulator, we can't get a satisfied result . Indirect bilirubin in cells will increase NBT reduction activity of monocytes, but not in granulocytes.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1992 Mar, 36(3), 548 - 51
Antagonism between isoniazid and the combination pyrazinamide-rifampin against tuberculosis infection in mice; Grosset J et al.; Mice that had been inoculated intravenously with 6.30 log10 Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv 14 days earlier were administered one of three combinations of drugs, i.e., isoniazid (INH)-rifampin (RMP)-pyrazinamide (PZA), INH-RMP, and RMP-PZA, during an initial 2-month period to mimic the initial phase of chemotherapy for human tuberculosis and during a later 4-month period to mimic the continuation phase of chemotherapy . At the end of the initial phase, all three combined regimens were found to have been highly effective in terms of the number of CFUs in the spleens of infected mice . The bactericidal activities of INH-RMP-PZA and INH-RMP were similar, whereas that of RMP-PZA was significantly greater . The spleens of all of the mice that had been treated initially with INH-RMP-PZA were culture negative by the end of 6 months of treatment, regardless of the regimen employed during the continuation phase . However, after an additional period of 6 months without treatment, the proportion of spleen culture positivity, or relapse rate, was significantly smaller in the subgroup treated with RMP-PZA during the continuation phase than in the subgroups treated with INH-RMP-PZA or INH-RMP; the relapse rate did not differ significantly between the latter two subgroups . These results suggest that antagonism occurs between INH and the combination RMP-PZA during both the initial and continuation phases of chemotherapy, compromising the benefit conferred by the addition of PZA to the combined regimen.The preliminary pharmacokinetic analysis suggested that the pharmacological interaction between INH and RMP was very likely to be involved in the mechanism of antagonism, as concomitant treatment with INH had significantly reduced the peak serum level and the area under the serum concentration-time curve of RMP in mice.

Mikrobiol Zh, 1992 Mar-Apr, 54(2), 93 - 105
{Phagocytosis and the antiphagocytic factors in mycobacterial infections}; Pinchuk LM; Peculiarities of phagocytosis of pathogenic, conditionally pathogenic ristic is given to antiphagocytic factors which permit some species of these processes with immunity are considered in the paper . A characteristic is given to antiphagocytic factors which permit some species of mycobacteria to avoid protective bactericidal reactions of mammals and to reproduce in phagocytes . Expression of mycobacterial virulence depends on the character of interrelations between the pathogen and cells of reticuloendothelial and immune systems . Interpretation of this mechanism is important in development of the methods of infection control and creation of efficient vaccines.

Microbiol Rev, 1992 Mar, 56(1), 32 - 60
Virulence factors of the family Legionellaceae; Dowling JN et al.; Whereas bacteria in the genus Legionella have emerged as relatively frequent causes of pneumonia, the mechanisms underlying their pathogenicity are obscure . The legionellae are facultative intracellular pathogens which multiply within the phagosome of mononuclear phagocytes and are not killed efficiently by polymorphonuclear leukocytes . The functional defects that might permit the intracellular survival of the legionellae have remained an enigma until recently . Phagosome-lysosome fusion is inhibited by a single strain (Philadelphia 1) of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1, but not by other strains of L . pneumophila or other species . It has been found that following the ingestion of Legionella organisms, the subsequent activation of neutrophils and monocytes in response to both soluble and particulate stimuli is profoundly impaired and the bactericidal activity of these cells is attenuated, suggesting that Legionella bacterial cell-associated factors have an inhibitory effect on phagocyte activation . Two factors elaborated by the legionellae which inhibit phagocyte activation have been described . First, the Legionella (cyto)toxin blocks neutrophil oxidative metabolism in response to various agonists by an unknown mechanism . Second, L . micdadei bacterial cells contain a phosphatase which blocks superoxide anion production by stimulated neutrophils . The Legionella phosphatase disrupts the formation of critical intracellular second messengers in neutrophils . In addition to the toxin and phosphatase, several other moieties that may serve as virulence factors by promoting cell invasion or intracellular survival and multiplication are elaborated by the legionellae . Molecular biological studies show that a cell surface protein named Mip is necessary for the efficient invasion of monocytes . A possible role for a Legionella phospholipase C as a virulence factor is still largely theoretical . L . micdadei contains an unusual protein kinase which catalyzes the phosphorylation of eukaryotic substrates, including phosphatidylinositol and tubulin . Since the phosphorylation of either phosphatidylinositol or tubulin might compromise phagocyte activation and bactericidal functions, this enzyme may well be a virulence factor . Administration of the L . pneumophila exoprotease induces lesions resembling those of Legionella pneumonia and kills guinea pigs, suggesting that this protein plays a role in the pathogenesis of legionellosis . However, recent work with a genetically engineered strain has convincingly shown that the protease is not necessary for intracellular survival or virulence . As might be expected with a complex process like intracellular parasitism, it appears that the capability of Legionella strains to invade and multiply in host phagocytes is multifactorial and that no single moiety which is responsible for the virulence phenotype will be found.

Infect Dis Clin North Am, 1992 Mar, 6(1), 215 - 38
Current chemotherapy for tuberculosis in children; Starke JR; Antituberculosis medications are extremely well tolerated by children and have proved to be very successful . The newer regimens of intensive short-course chemotherapy for tuberculosis have several advantages over traditional two-drug regimens, including faster sterilization and bactericidal action, shorter duration over which patient noncompliance can occur, less expenditure of resources for monitoring treatment, lower failure and relapse rates, and broader coverage for possible drug-resistant M . tuberculosis . The currently recommended regimen for pulmonary and most extrapulmonary forms of tuberculosis in children is 6 months of isoniazid and rifampin supplemented during the first 2 months by pyrazinamide . Treatment during the first 1 to 2 months should, if possible, be daily but the last 4 to 5 months of therapy can be either daily or twice weekly under direct observation of a health-care professional . For patients in whom social or other constraints prevent reliable self-administration of daily treatment in the initial phase, medications may be given twice weekly from the beginning under close observation . For these situations, a total duration of treatment of 6 to 9 months is reasonable . Non-life-threatening forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis can be treated in the same manner as pulmonary tuberculosis . Although tuberculous meningitis probably will respond to these regimens, the relative lack of data at present leads most experts to recommend total durations of between 6 and 12 months for this form of tuberculosis . The major limitation to controlling tuberculosis in the United States is noncompliance or nonadherence to medications by patients . The physician and other health-care providers must devote a great deal of their time and energy to ensuring adherence with medications and take whatever steps are necessary to make sure that the child with tuberculosis is adequately treated.

Lepr Rev, 1992 Mar, 63(1), 36 - 40
Ambulatory treatment of multibacillary leprosy with a regimen of 8 months duration; Pattyn SR et al.; An ambulatory treatment regimen for multibacillary leprosy, of 34 weeks duration composed of 8 weeks daily supervised rifampicin, ethionamide (ETH), dapsone (DDS) and clofazimine (CLO) followed by 26 weeks of unsupervised ETH, DDS and CLO, introduced in 1983 has been evaluated; 268 patients were followed for a mean of 4.4 years and a total of 1188 patient years . The relapse rate was 0.33 per 100 patient years of follow up . The reduction of the duration of the combined administration of RMP + ETH reduced the hepatotoxicity to 1.4% . It is possible that both phases of the regimen studied could still be reduced, however, in the near future ETH will be replaced by alternative bactericidal drugs, avoiding the hepatotoxicity.

J Appl Bacteriol, 1992 Mar, 72(3), 252 - 7
The bactericidal activity of a methyl and propyl parabens combination: isothermal and non-isothermal studies; Gilliland D et al.; The effect of temperature on the kill rate of Escherichia coli by methyl and propyl parabens was studied . The kill kinetics was first order . It was shown that the Arrhenius equation provided a good model for describing the relationship between the first order rate constant and the temperature . The activation energy was found to be 274 kJ/mol for exponential phase cells and 168 kJ/mol for stationary phase cells . Exponential phase cells were much more susceptible to the lethal effects of the parabens than were the stationary phase cells . For example, at 34 degrees C stationary phase cells, in chemically defined media, had a kill rate constant of 0.072/h while the corresponding value for exponential phase cells was 0.238/h . In water the rate of kill for exponential phase cells was even faster giving a rate constant of 5.25/h at 34 degrees C . Non-isothermal kinetic testing was not found to be useful for modelling bacterial kill kinetics because we could not achieve the precision required in bacterial enumeration.

Am J Surg, 1992 Mar, 163(3), 288 - 93
Fibroblast growth factor reserves the bacterial retardation of wound contraction; Hayward P et al.; Chronic granulating wounds were established in rats by excising burns inoculated with Escherichia coli . Recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor was applied at dosages of 1, 10, and 100 micrograms/cm2 to the wounds of three groups of 20 animals on days 5, 9, 12, 15, and 18 after injury . The rate of wound closure was compared with that of similarly wounded animals treated with saline vehicle alone . High levels of bacteria caused significant retardation of wound contraction . The addition of basic fibroblast growth factor at the 100 micrograms/cm2 dosage level markedly improved the rate of wound closure whereas inert vehicles applied alone were ineffective . Since bacterial counts did not decrease in the basic fibroblast growth factor treated wounds, basic fibroblast growth factor was not inherently bactericidal . Histologic examination of the wounds treated with basic fibroblast growth factor showed increased cellularity with increased numbers of fibroblasts and round cells . These results suggest basic fibroblast growth factor can overcome the defect in healing created by bacterial infection, and this peptide may have efficacy in the management of the contaminated wound.

Vopr Pitan, 1992 Mar-Apr, (2), 42 - 7
{Effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the ration on the structure of peripheral lymphoid organs, immunological parameters and nonspecific resistance of rats}; Trushina EN et al.; It has been established that the fatty component of the ration, with the rest ingredients being unchanged, alters the immunologic status of the body . When fatty portion of the ration was substituted for sunflower oil (omega 6) active macrophage-plasmocytic reaction in the lymphoid organs, elevation of the humoral immunity parameters and suppression of the T-cell system were recorded . The reaction to immunization was less pronounced when equal ratios of sunflower and ichtyenic oils were used . When the fatty component of the ration was completely substituted for ichtyenic oil, a decrease in T-lymphocyte number and focal necrotic changes in the lymphoid organs were observed . The fatty component of the rations used produced no significant effect on the bactericidal activity of the blood serum.

J Gen Microbiol, 1992 Mar, 138 ( Pt 3), 563 - 9
Aminoglycoside and aminocyclitol antibiotics: hygromycin B is an atypical bactericidal compound that exerts effects on cells of Escherichia coli characteristics for bacteriostatic aminocyclitols; Bakker EP; The effects of aminoglycoside and aminocyclitol antibiotics on intact cells of Escherichia coli were compared . The aminoglycosides streptomycin, gentamicin, kanamycin and neomycin had similar, but not identical, effects . They all caused misreading during protein synthesis, permeabilization of the cell membrane, inhibition of the initiation of DNA replication, and loss of cell viability . Cells treated with these antibiotics continued to synthesize two proteins (apparent molecular masses 72 and 60 kDa) that were not made by cells treated with the aminocyclitol hygromycin B, which did not cause misreading . Cells treated with the aminoglycosides regained their membrane tightness after residual protein synthesis in these cells had been inhibited by chloramphenicol, suggesting that under these conditions the mistranslated membrane proteins were rapidly degraded . The bacteriostatic aminocyclitols spectinomycin and kasugamycin did not cause membrane permeabilization, suggesting that these compounds do not cause misreading . Hygromycin B resembled these aminocyclitols in that it inhibited protein synthesis without causing misreading, membrane permeabilization or inhibition of initiation of DNA synthesis . However, hygromycin B also decreased cell viability . In minimal medium this lethal effect began late in comparison to the process of inhibition of protein synthesis . It is concluded that hygromycin B is an atypical bactericidal antibiotic that strongly resembles the bacteriostatic aminocyclitols spectinomycin and kasugamycin in its action.

J Gen Microbiol, 1992 Mar, 138 ( Pt 3), 551 - 61
The bactericidal action of streptomycin: membrane permeabilization caused by the insertion of mistranslated proteins into the cytoplasmic membrane of Escherichia coli and subsequent caging of the antibiotic inside the cells due to degradation of these proteins; Busse HJ et al.; The mechanism by which the aminoglycoside antibiotic streptomycin permeabilizes the cytoplasmic membrane of Escherichia coli cells was reinvestigated . For this purpose, the extent of streptomycin-induced K+ loss from cells growing at low external K+ concentrations was taken as a measure of membrane permeabilization . Experiments with different K(+)-uptake mutants showed that the antibiotic specifically increased the passive permeability of the cell membrane to K+ and other ions . These permeability changes were small and the membrane potential of the treated cells remained high . The membrane permeabilization was not due to a direct interaction of the antibiotic with the cell membrane, since cells that carry an rpsL mutation and synthesize proteins in a streptomycin-insensitive way did not lose K+ after the addition of the antibiotic . Due to misreading and premature termination of translation the cells synthesized aberrant proteins under the conditions where membrane permeabilization occurred . Two conditions are described under which the cells both degraded these mistranslated proteins rapidly and reaccumulated K+, lending support to the hypothesis that membrane permeabilization is due to the presence of the mistranslated proteins in the cell membrane . Evidence is presented that the irreversibility of (dihydro)streptomycin uptake by cells washed free from the antibiotic might also be due to rapid degradation of the mistranslated proteins, leading to 'caging' of the antibiotic inside the cells.

Immunol Lett, 1992 Feb 15, 31(3), 297 - 9
The bactericidal capacity of peripheral blood monocytes from HIV positive patients may collapse very soon after the infection; Bravo-Cuellar A et al.; The activity of peripheral blood monocytes from HIV positive patients was measured by the intensity of the chemoluminescence those cells emit when they ingest a foreign particle . In most patients (84%) that value was impaired . Such an alteration may occur very early in the course of the disease . The anti-p24 antibody titer was correlated with monocyte phagocytic potential as measured by the chemoluminescent value thus indicating the need for adequate monocyte activity in order to obtain antibody formation . The severity of opportunistic infections that HIV positive subjects may develop is a clear indication that their immune systems are abnormal . The most frequently affected cells are those which bear the viral receptor, the CD4 antigen . Those cells are mainly the helper T cells and monocytes . The monocytes are the immune system phagocytic cells which actively control infections, in part by the release oxidative radicals . Those radicals can easily be measured by the chemoluminescence (CL) the cells emit when they ingest a foreign particle . This study examines the CL emitted by peripheral blood monocytes from HIV-positive and control subjects while they phagocytose opsonized zymosan in vitro and correlates these values with other laboratory parameters.

Biochem Pharmacol, 1992 Feb 4, 43(3), 527 - 32
Inhibition of human neutrophil protein kinase C activity by the antimalarial drug mefloquine; el Benna J et al.; Mefloquine (alpha-(2-piperidyl)-2,8-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4-quinolinemethanol) , an antimalarial drug, has been shown to inhibit human neutrophil functions, particularly oxygen-dependent bactericidal activity . Since calcium- and phospholipid-dependent protein kinase C (PKC) has a central role in the regulation of this function, we hypothesized that its activity might be altered by mefloquine . We found that mefloquine directly inhibited PKC in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 45 microM . This inhibition appeared to be non-competitive with respect to ATP, histone and phosphatidylserine . In addition, mefloquine inhibited the binding of {3H}phorbol 12,13 dibutyrate to PKC, indicating that it interacts with the regulatory domain of PKC . By contrast, mefloquine had little or no effect on neutrophil cAMP-dependent protein kinase or its catalytic subunit . Phorbol myristate acetate-induced protein phosphorylation in intact neutrophils was also inhibited by preincubation with mefloquine at concentrations similar to those inhibiting superoxide anion production . These data suggest that inhibition of neutrophil functions by mefloquine may be due to the inhibition of cellular PKC and that mefloquine could have further biological effects in situations in which PKC is involved.

Pol Tyg Lek, 1992 Feb 3-10, 47(5-6), 129 - 30
{Granulocyte metabolism in workers at a coke-processing plant}; Misiewicz A et al.; Acid phosphatase activity examinations and nitrotetrazolium blue reduction test after latex stimulation in peripheral blood neutrophils were performed in the group of 32 coking plant workers . Reference group consisted of 150 men not exposed to any toxic substances . Neutrophils of coking plant workers, comparing with the reference group, revealed decreased activity of acid phosphatase and impaired reduction of nitrotetrazolium blue after latex stimulation . The results suggest the possibility of toxic influence of coking plant environment on the lysosomal enzymes and oxygen-dependent metabolism of neutrophils what subsequently may diminish bactericidal powers.

Cell Immunol, 1992 Feb, 139(2), 505 - 30
The birth of immunology . III . The fate of the phagocytosis theory; Tauber AI; During the period of 1895-1910, immunology was preoccupied with defining the cellular (Elie Metchnikoff's phagocytosis theory) as opposed to the humoral basis of bactericidal defense . Although initial discovery of immunopathologic phenomena had been made (e.g., relating to transplantation, autoimmunity, allergy), focus on microbicidal therapy and diagnosis of infectious diseases remained the major stimuli of inquiry . The debate concerning the relative roles of phagocytes, complement, amboceptors (sensibilizing factors, antibody, antitoxins), various lysins (e.g., bacteriolysins, spermatolysins, hemolysins), agglutinins, stimulines, and then Almoth Wright's opsonins reflects the ambiguity of a scientific language being created in an era still struggling with a poorly defined experimental system, for the language, both its vocabulary (newly studied phenomena) and grammar (operational mechanisms) was yet to be codified . The joint award of the Nobel Prize to Metchnikoff and Paul Ehrlich in 1908 for their respective contributions to the "theory of immunity" appeared to proclaim a consensus, but the secret Nobel Committee reports that evaluated Metchnikoff's contributions reveal only a grudging acceptance of his position, and the award was clearly made on the basis of an apparent complementarity between the theoretical views of the humoralists and those elements of the phagocytosis theory that fit the then current discussion of immunity . In this regard, opsonins played an especially important role as both an experimental and conceptual bridge between the competing schools . What was no longer under consideration (and in fact never was explicitly debated) concerned the intellectual foundation of Metchnikoff's original concept of immunity as those activities that defined organismal identity, (developed from Metchnikoff's research in developmental biology) and which regarded host defense mechanisms as only subordinate to this primary function . Immunology in the first half of the 20th century pursued issues pertinent to chemically characterizing immune specificity and only later returned to the Metchnikovian question of how the immune identity was established . This latter venture has achieved molecular sophistication, but even such a formulation may be an inadequate answer to the Metchnikovian postulate . The theoretical discussion between cellularists and humoralists continues in new guises, for the essential debate remains unresolved.

J Infect Dis, 1992 Feb, 165(2), 290 - 8
Inefficient bacteriolysis of Escherichia coli by serum from human neonates; Lassiter HA et al.; To assess bacteriolysis in human neonates, Escherichia coli O7w:K1:NM were incubated with sera from eight healthy neonates, serum pooled from the eight neonates, and serum pooled from healthy adults . The adult serum killed E . coli . In contrast, the bacteria were not killed during incubation with sera from the eight neonates, the pooled neonatal serum, or with heat-inactivated adult serum . However, the combination of pooled neonatal serum and heat-inactivated adult serum killed the bacteria . Supplemental IgG-containing antibodies that bound to E . coli did not enhance the bactericidal activity of the neonatal serum . Ten of 12 blood isolates of E . coli from septic neonates but only 8 of 15 isolates from septic adults were serum-sensitive (killed during incubation with adult serum) (P less than .05) . Therefore, neonatal serum killed E . coli inefficiently and was deficient in non-IgG heat-stabile component(s) required for bacterial killing . Compared with adults, neonates were more frequently septic with serum-sensitive strains of E . coli.

J Immunol, 1992 Feb 1, 148(3), 827 - 36
Role of TraT protein, an anticomplementary protein produced in Escherichia coli by R100 factor, in serum resistance; Pramoonjago P et al.; Escherichia coli K12 strain W3110/SM bearing a plasmid containing the traT gene (traT+ strain) was more resistant to the bactericidal activity of guinea pig serum than the same strain bearing this plasmid without the traT gene (traT- strain) . A murine mAb was generated against synthetic TraT peptide (86-99) . This antibody reacted only with denatured TraT protein, but it was used for monitoring TraT protein by immunoblotting during purification of the protein . Six mAb were then generated against partially purified traT protein from the solubilized membrane fraction of the traT+ strain . These mAb reacted with the native protein even on living cells, and their F(ab) fragments were found to suppress the inhibitory effect of the TraT protein on the bactericidal activity of serum . TraT protein was purified from solubilized membranes of the traT+ strain by ion exchange and gel filtration chromatographies . The purified TraT protein inhibited the lysis of sensitized erythrocytes by serum complement . Its inhibitory action was mainly on the C6 step . It strongly inhibited the reaction of C6 with EAC14b2a3b and excess C5, C7, C8, and C9 . TraT protein also inhibited the reaction of C7-deficient human serum with guinea pig erythrocytes when it was activated by cobra venom factor . It did not inhibit the reaction of preformed C5b6 complexes . However, TraT did not have any effect on the cleavage of 125I{C5} to 125I{C5b} in similar conditions . It also partially inhibited the reaction steps of C4, C5, and factor B and limited guinea pig complement serum in 0.1% gelatin veronal buffered saline, pH 7.4, containing 10 mM EDTA with their respective preceding intermediate cells . It had no effect on either the binding of C3 to EAC14b2a or the cleavage of C3b by factors H and I . TraT protein probably inhibits the formation of C5b6 complex or causes structural alteration of the complex to a nonfunctional form.

Zentralbl Bakteriol, 1992 Feb, 276(3), 374 - 9
PacB, a plasmid-encoded property which confers to E . coli K12 resistance to channel-forming colicins; Rodriguez Lemoine V; Plasmids belonging to incompatibility groups HI (subgroups HI2 and HI3 but not HI1) and HII but not from any other incompatibility group, confer to E . coli resistance against the bactericidal action of colicin B . Additionally it was demonstrated that this plasmid-encoded property, PacB, is not restricted to a specific colicin (colicin B) but also modifies bacterial susceptibility to the lethal activity determined by the channel-forming colicins A, B, E1, Ia, Ib, K, and N . PacB+ bacteria remain susceptible to colicins with other modes of action . This property appears to be highly conserved among the HI2 plasmids.

J Appl Bacteriol, 1992 Feb, 72(2), 160 - 5
The effect of disinfectants on a geosmin-producing strain of Streptomyces griseus; Whitmore TN et al.; This study describes the bactericidal and sporicidal effects of four disinfectants on a geosmin-producing strain of Streptomyces griseus . The disinfectants investigated were chlorine, chloramine, chlorine dioxide and ozone . Chlorine and chlorine dioxide at concentrations around 1 mg/l were effective inactivators of both spore and mycelial propagules . Decimation times of less than 1 min were determined in each case . Both growth forms exhibited a high ozone demand, but decimation times resulting from an initial dose of around 2.5 mg/l were approximately 1.5 min . Monochloramine was comparatively less effective: at a concentration of approximately 1 mg/l the decimation times for spores and mycelia were 13.8 and 22.7 min, respectively.

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1992 Jan 15, 69(3), 295 - 9
The serum resistance of gonococci in the majority of urethral exudates is due to sialylated lipopolysaccharide seen as a surface coat; Parsons NJ et al.; Examined before subculture, gonococci in 18 urethral exudates collected from different patients were serum-resistant . For 15 exudates, the resistance was drastically reduced by treatment with neuraminidase and by one subculture on laboratory media . It was restored by incubation with cytidine 5'-monophospho-N-acetyl neuraminic acid (CMP-NANA) . Electron microscopic examination of gonococci in eight exudates showed a surface structure stained by Ruthenium red which disappeared in most samples when they were treated with neuraminidase . These results were identical with those of previous studies on in vitro grown gonococci which had shown that serum resistance is due to sialylation of a 4.5-kDa conserved component of gonococcal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by host CMP-NANA, which masks the target site for bactericidal IgM and renders surface LPS stainable by Ruthenium red . The serum resistance of gonococci in the remaining three exudates was not reduced by neuraminidase nor by subculture . The mechanism of this stable resistance is unknown.

Chemotherapy, 1992, 38(1), 74 - 6
Netilmicin plus ceftriaxone versus amikacin plus ceftriaxone in the treatment of infections in granulocytopenic patients; Krcmery V Jr et al.; For the treatment of febrile episodes in granulocytopenic cancer patients, a combination of bactericidal and intravenously administered broad spectrum agents is recommended . An aminoglycoside plus a beta-lactame (piperacillin, azlocillin or IIIrd generation cephalosporins) are the drugs of first choice in an empiric approach . Because of frequent parenteral interventions (e.g . catheters, cannulations) in thrombopenic patients with multifactorial immunosuppression, we consider the application of once daily drugs, such as ceftriaxone, netilmicin or amikacin . For single dose treatment (1st day two applications), we used ceftriaxone in combination with netilmicin or amikacin as the first approach and retrospectively evaluated 47 patients for efficacy and safety.

Infect Immun, 1992 Jan, 60(1), 39 - 43
Gonococcal lipooligosaccharide sialylation prevents complement-dependent killing by immune sera; Wetzler LM et al.; Previous investigators have demonstrated that a sialic acid residue is added to the terminal galactose moiety of gonococcal lipooligosaccharide (LOS) when incubated with 5'-CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid . When this in vitro sialylation occurs, gonococci become resistant to the bactericidal activity of normal human serum . This is believed to result because the added sialic acid residue blocks the binding of bactericidal anti-LOS antibodies present in normal human serum . We extend these studies by demonstrating that sialylated gonococci also become resistant to the bactericidal effect of immune sera containing antibodies that recognize exposed components of the outer membrane besides LOS . Prevention of antibody binding to the organism was not the cause, since the same percentage of bactericidal antibodies to the major outer membrane protein, Protein I, can be absorbed with sialylated organisms as with wild-type organisms . In addition, gonococcal sialylation prevents opsonophagocytosis by antigonococcal antisera . The negative effect of sialic acid on the complement pathway might be the reason for the findings in this study.

Monatsschr Kinderheilkd, 1992 Jan, 140(1), 57 - 61
{Pulmonary surfactant and the immune system}; Griese M; Natural surfactant, a mixture of lipids and proteins is potentially immunogenic . Frequent therapeutic and prophylactic use of exogenous lung surfactants necessitates a review of the data on its influence and relation to the immune system . Detection of circulating surfactant-antisurfactant immune complexes in the serum of newborn with respiratory distress syndrome and sporadically of free antisurfactant antibodies was not associated with any other specific symptoms during short term survey . Several studies were unable to detect formation of specific surfactant protein B or C antibodies in response to treatment with bovine surfactants . However further and long term follow up of these neonates especially during newly acquired lung diseases is desirable . In addition to its antigenicity, surfactant participates in a complex manner in the local immune response of the lung . Due to its direct bactericidal effects for some bacteria and various interactions with alveolar macrophages, lymphocytes and monocytes, surfactant is specifically involved in the defense of pulmonary pathogens . Furthermore there is evidence for a modulation and suppression of immune responses in the terminal alveoli by surfactant . These immunological aspects of lung surfactant need further study.

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1992 Jan 1, 69(2), 147 - 52
Complement-mediated in vitro bactericidal activity of monoclonal antibodies reactive with outer-surface-protein OspB of Borrelia burgdorferi; Cevenini R et al.; Murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were obtained against the outer-surface-protein OspA and OspB and against the 41-kDa flagellar antigen of Borrelia burgdorferi . The specificity of mAb was determined by the Western blotting technique and the surface association of the antigens was inferred by immunofluorescence of living bacteria . In an in vitro assay in the presence of complement, two mAbs reactive with the Ospa were able to kill borreliae, whereas several mAbs reactive with the OspA as well as with the 41-kDa flagellar protein were not.

Antibiot Khimioter, 1992 Jan, 37(1), 14 - 7
{Effect of phosphatidylcholine cholesterol liposomes on the growth of bacterial cultures}; Mel'iantseva LP et al.; The in vitro studies showed that incubation of S . aureus, P . aeruginosa, E . coli and P . mirabilis in the presence of phosphatidyl choline cholesterol liposomal suspension was accompanied by inhibited microbial growth . The effect was time- and dose-dependent . The arranged structure of the liposomal membranes played an important role in genesis of the bactericidal action of the liposomes since the use of lipids of the same composition in a nonpolysomal form markedly lowered the bactericidal effect.

Free Radic Biol Med, 1992, 13(2), 143 - 9
Progressive increases in serum catalase activity in advancing human immunodeficiency virus infection; Leff JA et al.; We found that serum from individuals with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) had more (p less than .05) catalase activity (31.5 +/- 5.2 U/mL) than serum from healthy control subjects (7.3 +/- 0.8 U/mL) . Moreover, serum catalase (but not glutathione peroxidase) activity increased progressively with advancing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (i.e., AIDS greater than symptomatic infection greater than asymptomatic infection greater than controls) . Increases in serum catalase activity correlated with increases in serum hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging ability and reached levels which decreased exogenous H2O2-mediated injury to cultured endothelial cells without altering neutrophil bactericidal activity or mononuclear cell cytotoxicity in vitro . Serum catalase activity correlated with serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity but did not appear to be a consequence of erythrocyte (RBC) hemolysis since RBC fragility and serum haptoglobin levels were comparable in HIV-infected and control subjects . Increases in serum catalase activity may reflect and/or compensate for systemic glutathione and other antioxidant deficiencies in HIV-infected individuals.

Scand J Immunol Suppl, 1992, 11, 99 - 102
Humoral factors of natural resistance of Bos indicus cattle selected for antibody titre to Brucella abortus; Gwakisa PS et al.; The concentration of lysozyme, total immunoglobulin and bactericidal activity were measured in sera of Bos indicus cattle, retrospectively screened for specific antibodies to Brucella abortus and classified as being positive reactors or negative reactors . In addition, the effect of complement in the sera was studied to demonstrate complement dependence of antibody-mediated bacterial killing . It was observed that, under the test conditions, serum bactericidal activity and concentration of total immunoglobulin were associated with high specific antibody levels (P less than 0.001) . Furthermore, there was a slight decrease in the lytic activity of lysozyme in the sera of animals with high antibody titres.

J Postgrad Med, 1992 Jan-Mar, 38(1), 13 - 5
Immunotherapeutic modification of Escherichia coli peritonitis and bacteremia by Tinospora cordifolia; Thatte UM et al.; We present here the protective effects of an Indian medicinal plant Tinospora cordifolia as compared to gentamicin in E . Coli induced peritonitis . Pretreatment with tinospora cordifolia or gentamicin reduced mortality in mice injected with 1 x 10(8) E . coli intraperitoneally from 100% in controls to 17.8% and 11.1% respectively . This was associated with significantly improved bacterial clearance as well as improved phagocytic and intracellular bactericidal capacities of neutrophils in the Tinospora cordifolia treated group . In the gentamicin treated mice although bacterial clearance was rapid, polymorph phagocytosis was depressed . Tinospora cordifolia did not possess in vitro bactericidal activity . The results demonstrate that a "prohost approach" may be beneficial in the therapy of peritonitis.

Ann Rech Vet, 1992, 23(1), 83 - 91
{Virulence factors and phenotypes of sixty-one strains of Escherichia coli of bovine origin, producing cytotoxic necrotising toxin type 1 (CNF 1)}; Pohl P et al.; Virulence factors and phenotypes of 61 strains CNF1+ were investigated . Eighty-nine percent of the strains produced an aerobactin and were resistant to the bactericidal activity of sheep serum, both of which are properties of septicemic strains of E coli . None of the strains reacted either with DNA probes corresponding to the enterotoxins STaP, STb, LT-I and LT-IIa, or to the verotoxins VT-I and VT-II . None produced the adhesins K99, Att25 (FY or F17) and Att111 . The great majority (93.4%) of the CNF1+E coli possessed both properties . These properties allow CNF1+ to be distinguished from CNF-E coli.

Immunol Ser, 1992, 57, 417 - 36
Activation of neutrophils by interleukins-1 and -2 and tumor necrosis factors; Ferrante A; This review outlines evidence that IL-1, IL-2, and TNFs modulate neutrophil functions . These cytokines affect some or all of the following functions of the neutrophil: adherence, cell migration, respiratory burst, lysosomal enzyme release, and cell surface receptor expression . TNFs, especially TNF alpha, remains one of the most highly studied cytokine with respect to regulation of neutrophil function . TNFs are a direct stimuli for the neutrophil respiratory burst and weak stimuli of lysosomal enzyme release . The cytokines enhance cell adhesion and inhibit neutrophil migration . The TNFs augment the oxidative burst and lysosomal enzyme release response to a wide range of soluble and particulate cell stimuli . These changes in the cell seem to be closely correlated with the increased fungicidal, bactericidal, tumoricidal, and protozoacidal activity of the TNF-primed neutrophils . In contrast to TNFs, IL-1 and IL-2 inhibit neutrophil adherence, and this provides evidence that the cytokine family represents a regulatory system . Another form of regulation of TNF alpha and IL-1 neutrophil-activating activity is by the release of inhibitors to these cytokines (58) . We have evidence which shows that the soluble TNF alpha inhibitor (a cleaved product of the TNF alpha receptor) (59) binds and inhibits TNF from activating and priming neutrophils (60) . Priming of neutrophils by TNFs involves surface receptor binding but is independent of protein kinase C system, pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide regulatory protein, and direct burst of respiratory activity . The translocation of cell surface receptors and constituents of the NADPH oxidase from stored vesicles may be the major mechanism of TNF-induced cell priming.

Microbiol Immunol, 1992, 36(11), 1173 - 88
Killing of Escherichia coli by mononuclear phagocytes and neutrophils stimulated in vitro with beta-1,3-D-polyglucose derivatives; Rasmussen Busund LT et al.; Human monocytes, human peritoneal macrophages, mouse peritoneal macrophages and human peripheral neutrophils pretreated with beta-1,3-D-polyglucose derivatives showed pronounced bactericidal capacity to Escherichia coli compared to control cells . The increased bactericidal capacity was detectable in mononuclear phagocytes over a wide range of concentrations of bacteria . Granulocytes, however, showed bactericidal capacity only at low concentrations of bacteria . The pretreated mononuclear phagocytes released significant amounts of IL-1 and PGE2 . However, there was no significant release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) . By incubating unstimulated cells with purified IL-1 and TNF, the bactericidal activity of neutrophils and mononuclear phagocytes was enhanced . Our data indicate that the inability of neutrophils stimulated with beta-1,3-D-polyglucose derivatives to kill large numbers of bacteria could be overcome by a combined treatment with purified IL-1 or TNF in addition to beta-1,3-D-polyglucose derivatives . By incubating unstimulated cells with medium from beta-1,3-D-polyglucose-treated human peritoneal macrophages, the bactericidal activity of the cells was enhanced to the same extent as cells pretreated with purified TNF and IL-1 . Cells incubated with IL-1-depleted medium from beta-1,3-D-polyglucose-treated human peritoneal macrophages, showed reduced bactericidal activity compared to cells incubated with undepleted medium . These studies demonstrate that beta-1,3-D-polyglucose-treated mononuclear phagocytes and neutrophils show enhanced bactericidal activity . The enhanced activity is partly caused by stimulation of the cells with IL-1 released from mononuclear phagocytes and partly by other unknown effects of beta-1,3-D-polyglucose derivatives on both mononuclear phagocytes and neutrophils.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1992, (9-10), 71 - 4
{Changes in the phagocytic activity of macrophages under the action of different doses of antibiotics}; Aprikian VS et al.; Penicillin, streptomycin and gentamicin, when introduced into mice in a single injection in doses of 0.5-500,000 U/kg, produced different changes in the phagocytic activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages . Bactericidal doses of these antibiotics either suppressed the activity of macrophages or left it unchanged . Their sub-bactericidal doses enhanced the phagocytic activity of macrophages . Combined use of penicillin and streptomycin produced a synergic effect.

Ann Fr Anesth Reanim, 1992, 11(4), 454 - 60
{The role of the bacteriological laboratory in the criteria for choosing and monitoring antibiotic treatment}; Aubert G; The constant development of clinical bacteriology and the consequence this has on the way an infected patient is approached and treated require that be examined a bacteriology laboratory's contribution in choosing and monitoring an antibiotic treatment . In the economic context of hospitals, one of the aims is to rationalize the prescription of biological investigations, as well as that of antibiotic treatments . The patient's history, his clinical state as well as the place where he has been admitted must be taken into account to establish, together with microbiologists, a hierarchy of the biological investigations required and to adapt the antibiotic treatment . In the laboratory, both the bacteriostatic and bactericidal sensitivity to antibiotics may be assessed in vitro . The best therapeutic antibiotic concentrations may be obtained by monitoring the pharmacokinetics of antibiotics.

Microbiol Immunol, 1992, 36(4), 361 - 8
Bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity of antituberculosis drugs against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium-Mycobacterium intracellulare complex and Mycobacterium kansasii in different growth phases; Yamori S et al.; Bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities of rifampicin, isoniazid, streptomycin, enviomycin and ethambutol against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium--M . intracellulare complex and Mycobacterium kansasii were studied in different growth phases . Bacteriostatic activities of the drugs were similar in different growth phases, except isoniazid . M . tuberculosis was much less susceptible to isoniazid in the lag phase than in the log and the stationary phases . In contrast, bactericidal activity was influenced by the growth phase . M . tuberculosis was killed by isoniazid, streptomycin and rifampicin . The bactericidal activity of isoniazid was strongest . The bactericidal activity of isoniazid and streptomycin was most marked in the log phase . M . avium complex and M . kansasii resisted the bactericidal activity, but some strains of M . avium complex were killed by streptomycin and enviomycin, and the activities of these two drugs were most marked in the lag phase.

Surg Today, 1992, 22(3), 233 - 43
Polymorphonuclear leukocyte function and serum opsonic activity in surgical patients; Inoue T et al.; Thirty-six patients who underwent major surgery were studied in order to clarify the perioperative changes in polymorpho - nuclear leukocyte (PMNL) function and serum opsonic activity . In patients without postoperative infection, the PMNL phagocytic-bactericidal capacity and plasma elastase levels significantly increased, while the serum opsonic index remarkably decreased just after surgery, however, all returned to the preoperative levels within 1 or 2 weeks . Conversely, in patients with postoperative infection, the PMNL bactericidal capacity and plasma elastase levels remained at high levels even after 1 or 2 weeks, while the PMNL phagocytic capacity and serum opsonic index substantially decreased after 2 weeks compared with the patients without postoperative infection . Plasma leukotriene B4, which is a potent chemo-attractant for PMNL, noticeably decreased in the patients with postoperative infection on the first postoperative day compared with that in the patients without postoperative infection . Our data suggests that the most important predisposing factors to postoperative infection may be a depressed PMNL phagocytic capacity and a lower serum opsonic activity after surgery, and that the increased PMNL bactericidal capacity and high plasma elastase levels during postoperative infection may contribute to the susceptibility to multiple organ failure.

Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1992 Jan, 113(1), 62 - 4
{Immunocorrecting properties of antibiotics in secondary immunodeficiency}; Petrov RV et al.; The study investigated immunocorrecting properties of penicillin G, streptomycin, gentamycin in cyclophosphamide--induced immunodeficiency in mice . It was determined, that antibiotics in sub-bactericidal doses possess pronounced immunocorrecting properties . This effect was observed in both humoral and cell-mediated immune response.

Bioseparation, 1992-93, 3(4), 233 - 40
Beneficial effect of hydrotropes on partitioning behaviour of proteins in aqueous two phase systems; Agarwal M et al.; Proteins have been partitioned in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-salt systems containing hydrotropes . Hydrotropes are surface active compounds with strong ionic nature with a smaller hydrophobic part as compared to surfactants . The effect of pH, hydrotrope concentration, polymer molecular weight and protein molecular weight on partitioning of proteins including enzymes and their separation has been investigated . The effects of hydrotropes may be explained on the basis of interaction of PEG and the hydrotropes . This is substantiated by measuring the concentration of hydrotropes in both the phases . The practical utilization of the described effect is to enhance the separation of a mixture of proteins by many folds . Preliminary experiments have shown that hydrotropes at low concentrations do not affect enzyme activity and do not have any bactericidal activity.

Adv Perit Dial, 1992, 8, 18 - 21
Pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin after intraperitoneal administration in uninfected patients undergoing CCPD; de Fijter CW et al.; Ciprofloxacin is increasingly used to treat peritoneal dialysis related peritonitis . We studied the pharmacokinetics of intraperitoneally administered ciprofloxacin in six uninfected CCPD patients . In a randomized cross-over setting ciprofloxacin was added either to a long dwell exchange (lastbag) or to four short dwell exchanges (dwell time 1.5 h) . Addition of ciprofloxacin (25 mg/l) during the four short dwell exchanges resulted in dialysate levels of 21.1-13.3 mg/l during these exchanges . In the subsequent last bag devoid of ciprofloxacin a dialysate Cmax,D of 1.38 mg/l was observed at 30 min . Mean +/- SD serum Cmax,S was 0.59 +/- 0.29 mg/l after 5.4 h . Instillation of 100 mg/l ciprofloxacin in the last-bag yielded Cmax,D of 99.1 mg/l, falling with a t1/2 of 3.3 h towards levels < 2 mg/l at 19.8 h . A mean +/- SD serum Cmax,S of 0.69 +/- 0.19 was reached after 4 h . During four subsequent 1.5h exchanges without ciprofloxacin dialysate levels were < 0.1 mg/l . Instillation of 25 mg/l ciprofloxacin in the last-bag yielded a Cmax,D of 21.7 mg/l, falling towards levels < 2 mg/l at 15 h with a t1/2 of 3.85 h . A mean +/- SD serum Cmax,S of 0.26 +/- 0.03 was reached after 8 h . We conclude that the rapid absorption of ciprofloxacin from the dialysate into the tissues requires ciprofloxacin to be administered to all CCPD bags to ensure bactericidal dialysate levels . When therapeutic serum levels are required higher intraperitoneal doses or an oral or i.v . loading dose is warranted.

Zhonghua Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi, 1992 Jan, 27(1), 12 - 5, 61
{The bactericidal efficiency of ultrasonic in the root canal}; Wang ZM; The objective of this paper was to determine the quantitative bactericidal efficiency of ultrasonic in the root canal . Four test organisms found frequently in the root canal were compared . The result showed ultrasonic can kill the test organisms effectively in the root canals . The best bactericidal efficiency occurred at 4 or 5 min . of ultrasonic though the more efficiency as the time longer . Bactericidal irrigation could increase the bactericidal efficiency of ultrasonic and its bactericidal action similar to irrigation bactericidal property.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1992 Jan, 36(1), 188 - 90
In vitro and in vivo activities of sparfloxacin, other quinolones, and tetracyclines against Chlamydia trachomatis; Nakata K et al.; Sparfloxacin was more potent than other quinolones (tosufloxacin, lomefloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, fleroxacin, enoxacin, and norfloxacin) and as potent as minocycline and doxycycline in activity against Chlamydia trachomatis in vitro and in vivo . Sparfloxacin was more bactericidal than minocycline against C . trachomatis D/UW-3/Cx.

Can J Vet Res, 1992 Jan, 56(1), 16 - 21
Effects of recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor on bovine peripheral blood and mammary gland neutrophil function in vitro; Sordillo LM et al.; Modulation of peripheral blood and mammary gland neutrophil function following in vitro exposure to recombinant bovine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rBoGM-CSF) was studied . Bovine blood and mammary gland neutrophils were cultured for 9 h in media containing 0.005, 0.05 or 0.5 microgram/mL rBoGM-CSF . Neutrophils treated with rBoGM-CSF exhibited significantly more chemotactic and bactericidal activities and tended to produce more superoxide anion than control cells . The effects of rBoGM-CSF on bovine neutrophil populations appeared to be dose-dependent . The production of superoxide anion and the bactericidal activity of mammary gland neutrophils were consistently higher than blood neutrophils . Only moderate increases in lipopolysaccharide-induced mammary gland neutrophil functions were observed following incubation with rBoGM-CSF which suggests that there may be a threshold of immunomodulation for these prestimulated cells . It may be possible to augment the functional capacity of bovine neutrophil populations in vivo through the therapeutic application of rBoGM-CSF and consequently enhance resistance of dairy cattle to bacterial infections.

Biotechnol Ther, 1992, 3(3-4), 119 - 35
Metabolic activation of phenols by stimulated neutrophils: a concept for a selective type of anti-inflammatory drug; Hart BA et al.; Apocynin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-acetophenone) is a potent and selective inhibitor of neutrophil oxyradical production . The mechanism of action involves metabolic activation in a (myelo)-peroxidase-dependent reaction . The reaction product(s) prevent(s) the assembly of the superoxide anion-generating NADPH:O2 oxidoreductase by conjugation to essential thiol groups . Different neutrophil functions that are essential to their bactericidal activity, however, remain intact . When administered orally a potent anti-inflammatory activity was found in rats with experimentally induced local or systemic inflammation.

Otolaryngol Pol, 1992, 46(6), 557 - 60
{On the bacteriostatic or bactericidal function of ceruminous glands secretion}; Jankowski A et al.; The authors present the results of their research concerning the bacteriostatic or bactericidal function of the secretion of ceruminous glands of the external auditory duct . In accordance with the statements of the other authors, neither bacteriostatic nor bactericidal function of the ear wax was discovered.

Fundam Clin Pharmacol, 1992, 6(8-9), 375 - 82
Protection of erdosteine on smoke-induced peripheral neutrophil dysfunction both in healthy and in bronchitic smokers; Ciaccia A et al.; The purpose of the present study was to determine whether erdosteine and its metabolites (substances containing thiol groups) can prevent the alteration of the chemotactic function of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) from peripheral blood induced by cigarette smoke of eight healthy non-smoking volunteers, when incubated in vitro before smoke exposure, and whether oral treatment with erdosteine (900 mg/day) for two weeks might restore the chemotaxis of PMN, either from eight healthy or from 16 chronic bronchitic smokers . The chemotactic stimuli in vitro were casein, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenyalanine (FMLP) . The results of the study in vitro have confirmed that PMN from non-smoking volunteers shows a reduced chemotactic responsiveness when exposed in vitro to smoke . This can be partially prevented in a dose-related manner by pre-incubation with erdosteine, its metabolites, cysteine, and glutathione (metabolites I and II being at least 10 times more active than the intact substance and the known biological standards also containing thiol groups) . The experiment on PMN from healthy smokers (in a double-blind crossover design versus placebo) has indicated that the chemotaxis can be improved only after treatment with erdosteine . The same observation has been made in the experiment on PMN from smokers affected by chronic bronchitis (in a double-blind design versus placebo with two distinct groups) . In these patients the phagocytic and bactericidal activities of PMN were not affected by the smoke and therefore, neither one was influenced by erdosteine treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

J Infect Dis, 1991 Dec, 164(6), 1203 - 6
Pulmonary recruitment, adherence, and chemotaxis of neutrophils in a rat model of cirrhosis and pneumococcal pneumonia; Preheim LC et al.; Cirrhotic rats have decreased pulmonary bactericidal activity and increased bacteremia after experimental pneumococcal pneumonia . To determine if this finding is due to impaired pulmonary recruitment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was done on cirrhotic and normal rats after transtracheal challenge with pneumococcal types 3 and 1 . Mean absolute numbers of recruited PMNL in BAL fluid (BALF) at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 h after 10(7) cfu of type 3 challenge were similar in cirrhotic and normal rats . In both groups, lower numbers of PMNL were recruited after challenge with 10(5) cfu of type 3 . Type 1 pneumococci stimulated recruitment of similar mean absolute numbers of PMNL (x10(7} in BALF (cirrhotics vs . normals) at 24 h after challenges with 10(5) cfu (0.3 +/- 0.1 vs . 0.3 +/- 0.1) and 10(7) cfu (2.9 +/- 1.3 vs . 2.8 +/- 0.7) . Peripheral blood PMNL from cirrhotic and normal rats did not differ in adherence to nylon wool columns or in chemotaxis toward lipopolysaccharide-activated normal rat serum . Thus the impaired pulmonary defense against pneumococcal pneumonia in cirrhosis is not due to deficient pulmonary PMNL recruitment.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1991 Dec, 35(12), 2467 - 72
Evaluation of vancomycin for therapy of adult pneumococcal meningitis; Viladrich PF et al.; The emergence of pneumococci resistant to penicillin and other agents prompted us to evaluate intravenous vancomycin for the therapy of pneumococcal meningitis, which has an overall mortality of 30% . Eleven consecutive adult patients with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-culture-proven pneumococcal meningitis and positive initial CSF Gram stain were given intravenous vancomycin (usual dosage, 7.5 mg/kg every 6 h for 10 days) . The MBCs of vancomycin ranged from 0.25 to 0.5 micrograms/ml . Early adjunctive therapy with intravenous dexamethasone, mannitol, and sodium phenytoin was also instituted . After 48 h of therapy, all 11 patients showed a satisfactory clinical response, although the CSF culture remained positive in one case; median trough CSF and serum vancomycin levels were 2 and 5.1 micrograms/ml, respectively, and trough CSF bactericidal titers ranged from less than 1:2 to 1:16 . On day 3, one patient died of acute heart failure . Four patients had clinical failure at on days 4 (two patients), 7 (one), and 8 (one) of therapy; they all immediately responded to a change in antibiotic therapy . The remaining six patients were cured after 10 days of vancomycin therapy . At this point, median peak CSF and serum vancomycin levels were 1.9 and 18.5 micrograms/ml, respectively . A transient alteration of renal function occurred in two patients, and persistent slight hypoacusia occurred in three patients . In summary, 11 adults with pneumococcal meningitis were treated with vancomycin and early adjunctive therapy including dexamethasone . All patients initially improved, and 10 were ultimately cured of the infection . However, four patients experienced a therapeutic failure, which led to a change in vancomycin therapy.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1991 Dec, (12), 7 - 10
{The effect of interferon preparations on the ultrastructural organization of Legionella pneumophila}; Nebozhina LV et al.; The influence of the preparations of interferon on morphological changes in L . pneumophila on the ultrastructural level has been studied . Disturbances in the ultrastructure of L . pneumophila result from the direct bactericidal action of interferons without any interference of immune mechanisms . These disturbances are manifested by damages in the cell wall, plasma membrane, nuclear and ribosomal apparatuses of microbial cells . Leukinferon exhibits pronounced anti-Legionella activity, both in vitro in a liquid culture medium and in ovo, than reaferon.

Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1991 Dec, 65(12), 1501 - 7
{A mechanism of usefulness of treatment with erythromycin for diffuse panbronchiolitis}; Ichikawa Y et al.; The clinical usefulness of treatment with erythromycin for diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) patients have been well reported to date, although its mechanisms remain unknown . In a previous study, we demonstrated that DPB patients were found to have large percentages of neutrophils in their lower respiratory tracts and suggested that neutrophils play an important role in the pathogenesis of DPB (Chest 99: 917-923, 1990) . While in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that erythromycin decreases neutrophils directed migration . In the present study, we performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on eight patients with DPB to clarify the cell populations in the lower respiratory tract before and after treatment with erythromycin . Neutrophils percentages in BAL fluid were significantly reduced after treatment with erythromycin (54.3 +/- 22.4% to 13.1 +/- 13.5%, p less than 0.01) . No significant variance of BAL lymphocyte percentages was demonstrated after treatment with erythromycin . These results suggest that a main mechanism of clinical usefulness of treatment with erythromycin for DPB may be inhibition of neutrophils migration into the lower respiratory tract instead of intrapulmonary bactericidal activity against organisms.

Drugs, 1991 Dec, 42(6), 984 - 96
Treatment of lower extremity infections in diabetics; Joseph WS; Despite recent medical advances in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, foot infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with this disorder . Three main factors are responsible for this: neuropathy, angiopathy and immunopathy . Neuropathy is probably the most important factor: minor irritations and trauma can lead to limb-threatening infections without the patient feeling the changes . Angiopathy plays only a minor role, while immunopathy has implications for antibiotic treatment, in that bactericidal agents are needed . A classification scheme that incorporates clinical and laboratory findings can direct the selection of empirical antibiotic therapy in patients with foot infections . These infections may be defined as mild, moderate and severe . In less severe cases, there are effective oral agents that can stop the progress of the infection and obviate the need for patient hospitalisation . Moderate to severe infections require hospitalisation with the use of parenteral agents . With some of the new broad spectrum drugs, single agent therapy is now possible, eliminating the need for expensive, potentially toxic combinations . Antibiotics, however, are only part of the cure . Aggressive surgical debridement followed by conscientious local wound care plays an equal role . The ultimate goal is foot salvage, and the clinical judgement of the practitioner is paramount in determining the treatment strategies needed to achieve this objective.

Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis, 1991 Dec, 59(4), 613 - 7
Anti-Mycobacterium leprae activity of several quinolones studied in the mouse; Pattyn SR; The anti-Mycobacterium leprae activity of several fluoroquinolones (A-56619, A-56620, ofloxacin, fleroxacin, lomefloxacin, temafloxacin, tosufloxacin, and PD-117596) was studied in the mouse . In a dosage of 150 mg/kg administered daily, A-56619 is active and A-56620 is inactive against M . leprae . Ofloxacin administered daily for 2 weeks at 300 mg/kg is bactericidal . The minimal effective dose of PD-117596, lomefloxacin and temafloxacin is less than 37.5 mg/kg . When administered at 300 mg/kg at monthly intervals temafloxacin, PD-117596, and ofloxacin are bacteriostatic; while fleroxacin and lomefloxacin are bactericidal . Tosufloxacin is less active than the other quinolones included in the present study.

Clin Immunol Immunopathol, 1991 Nov, 61(2 Pt 2), S100 - 5
Interferon-gamma in the treatment of the chronic granulomatous diseases of childhood; Gallin JI; The bactericidal activity of phagocytic cells depends largely on the production of highly reactive metabolites from the metabolism of oxygen . A lesion anywhere in the biochemical pathway of hydrogen peroxide production has the potential to cause chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) . Recent findings have shown that CGD results from distinct abnormalities in the NADPH oxidase system, which includes the membrane-associated proteins, NADPH oxidase, cytochrome b-558, and several cytosolic proteins . Specific genetic markers have been identified for the most common biochemical variants of CGD . Pharmacologic alteration of phagocyte oxidative metabolism is now possible through the use of recombinant interferon-gamma . In vitro studies have shown that neutrophils and monocytes derived from patients with autosomal recessive cytochrome b-positive CGD respond to interferon-gamma with an enhanced respiratory burst (superoxide production) and increased bactericidal activity . Furthermore, subcutaneous interferon-gamma administration improves bactericidal activity in neutrophils and monocytes derived from patients with X-linked, cytochrome b-negative CGD, despite the lack of effect on superoxide production . This suggests that interferon-gamma also stimulates nonoxidative bactericidal pathways . Data from a multicenter clinical trial indicate sustained administration of interferon-gamma is effective in the management of CGD . In addition, related studies indicate that modern molecular and genetic technologies offer the possibility of improved management or cure for CGD.

Akush Ginekol (Mosk), 1991 Nov, (11), 53 - 5
{The prospects for using new suture materials in emergency gynecology}; Kulakov VI et al.; The results of using new bactericidal suturing material, Etikon (Germany), in 534 urgent surgical gynecological interventions are analyzed . Employment of new dissolving surgical threads helped reduce threefold the incidence of postoperative complications and almost 1.5-times the mean hospital stay after surgery . A favorable course of the postoperative period is explained by a more swift healing of the operation wound and reduction of the rate of postoperative complications.

Pharmacol Biochem Behav, 1991 Nov, 40(3), 629 - 36
Marijuana and tobacco smoke gas-phase cytotoxins; Huber GL et al.; To evaluate the in vivo versus in vitro paradoxical effects of marijuana and tobacco smoke on pulmonary defenses, the responses to smoke constituents were assessed with an alveolar macrophage tissue culture bioassay . A dose-response impairment of macrophage bactericidal activity was associated with water-soluble, gas-phase constituents . A model airway surface was constructed to examine the behavior of specific gas-phase constituents removed as they passed over wetted surfaces simulating the characteristics of the human respiratory system . Chemical analyses in the bioassay flask and in the model airway were compared . Gas-phase cytotoxins were measured after passage over wetted surface areas analogous to the trachea between the larynx and second-order bronchus . A wetted surface comparable to only 5% of the human airway, or less than 0.05% of the gas-exchanging surface of the entire lung, was capable of complete detoxification of the highly water-soluble gas-phase cytotoxins . In conclusion, gas-phase cytotoxins demonstrable by in vitro bioassays may have no cytotoxic potential when inhaled by humans.

J Int Med Res, 1991 Nov-Dec, 19(6), 451 - 6
Effect of oral administration of bacterial extracts on the bactericidal capacity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes in children with recurrent respiratory infections; Kantar A et al.; The effect of orally administered bacterial extracts given intermittently over 16 weeks on the bactericidal capacity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) in children with recurrent respiratory infections was investigated using a luminol-amplified chemiluminescence assay . Chemiluminescence of PMNs stimulated with zymosan or N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) before and after treatment with bacterial extracts or intramuscular benzanthine penicillin was evaluated . Chemiluminescence induced by opsonized zymosan increased significantly (P less than 0.05) after treatment with bacterial extracts, whereas no significant changes were observed in the fMLP-stimulated PMNs . Long-acting penicillin treatment did not significantly affect zymosan- or fMLP-stimulated chemiluminescence . The data suggest that orally administered bacterial extracts can increase the opsonic capacity of serum and thus the bactericidal capacity of PMNs in subjects with recurrent respiratory infections.

Kidney Int, 1991 Nov, 40(5), 927 - 33
In vivo effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on phagocyte function in hemodialysis patients; Hubel E et al.; 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 {1,25(OH)2D3} has been shown to modulate the immune function of monocytes and macrophages . Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on chronic hemodialysis treatment usually present a deficiency of this active form of vitamin D3 . The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 replacement therapy on phagocytosis, bactericidal capacity, and oxidative metabolism of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) and monocytes (MN) in chronic hemodialysis patients . Phagocyte function tests were performed before and after four weeks of an oral replacement therapy with 0.5 micrograms/day of 1,25(OH)2D3 (Rocaltrol) . The superoxide (O2-) generation of monocytes, measured by cytochrome c reduction and lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) from patients receiving hemodialysis treatment was significantly diminished compared to healthy controls . After the replacement therapy with 1,25(OH)2D3 the O2- production showed a significant improvement, resulting in an increased cytochrome c reduction and lucigenin-CL response . The bactericidal capacity of MN was also impaired and exhibited a significant enhancement of their killing activity after the administration of 1,25(OH)2D3 . On the other hand, the luminol-enhanced CL, which reflects the myeloperoxidase-dependent oxidative metabolism, and the phagocytic ability of MN was not affected by the hormone . The function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) from hemodialysis patients showed no impairment in the state of 1,25(OH)2D3 deficiency and the replacement of the hormone did not enhance their function . These results suggest that the deficiency of 1,25(OH)2D3 in patients with ESRD on chronic hemodialysis treatment may be responsible for an impaired monocyte function, which could be improved by an in vivo replacement of the hormone.

Kekkaku, 1991 Oct, 66(10), 679 - 85
{Antimycobacterial activities of rifamycin derivatives}; Kuze F; The Standard Initial Chemotherapy, chemotherapeutic activity of which depends mostly on the two potent bactericidal drugs, INH and RFP, has made a remarkable progress in the treatment of tuberculosis . However, certain difficult situations still remain in the treatment of resistant diseases, mostly in retreatment cases especially resistant to INH and/or RFP, and of the patients who are not able to continue the Standard Regimens because of side effects and/or severe complications with various organ dysfunctions . It is evident that presently available antituberculosis drugs are not potent enough to deal satisfactorily with the above situations, and besides, there has been unsatisfactory chemotherapeutic efficacy against infections caused by Mycobacterium avium complex . The above matters strongly urge our effort to develop new antimycobacterial agents . In the present review, in vitro and in vivo activities of newly synthesized rifamycin derivatives (3'-hydroxy-5'-alkylpiperazinyl-benzoxazinorifamycins, KRMs) were discussed . Of a total of 158 newly synthesized compounds, five (KRM-1648, KRM-1657, KRM-1668, KRM-1674, KRM-2312) were selected due to significantly lower MICs than those of RFP against M . tuberculosis H37Rv and M . intracellulare 31F093T . The MIC90s of these compounds were 16 to 32 times lower than MIC90 of RFP against RFP-susceptible clinical isolates (20 strains) of M . tuberculosis, and 100 times or more lower than MIC90s of RFP against 20 disease-associated M . avium complex strains.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

J Leukoc Biol, 1991 Oct, 50(4), 321 - 30
Intracellular survival of virulent Bordetella pertussis in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes; Steed LL et al.; Little is known regarding the interaction of Bordetella pertussis with polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) or the role PMNL play as an initial line of defense against B . pertussis infection . An in vitro system was developed to establish conditions for the study of phagocytosis and killing of virulent B . pertussis by human PMNL . Phagocytosis of B . pertussis strains BP504, BP165, and BP338 occurred by opsonization with anti-B . pertussis antibody, while autologous normal human sera did not induce significant phagocytosis . In PMNL bacterial killing assays virulent B . pertussis strains survived PMNL bactericidal activities while Escherichia coli controls were readily killed . Electron microscopy studies using acid phosphatase as a lysosomal marker strongly suggested that B . pertussis inhibits phagosome-lysosome fusion in PMNL . These results indicate that virulent B . pertussis strains are capable of surviving intracellularly within PMNL and that such survival may be due to inhibition of phagosome-lysosome fusion.

J Infect Dis, 1991 Oct, 164(4), 800 - 2
Differences in release of tumor necrosis factor from THP-1 cells stimulated by filtrates of antibiotic-killed Escherichia coli; Simon DM et al.; Bacterial products, such as endotoxin, activate mononuclear cells to produce tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and other monokines capable of producing host cell injury . THP-1 cell TNF release in response to bacterial products generated during antibiotic killing of Escherichia coli (ATCC 12014) was evaluated . THP-1 is a mature monocytic leukemia cell line that produces TNF in a dose-dependent fashion in response to purified endotoxin . E . coli were incubated in the presence of amikacin, ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime, cefotaxime, aztreonam, or imipenem at concentrations that killed greater than 99.9% of the organisms . Aliquots of these antibiotic-bacterial cultures were added to THP-1 cells, and TNF concentrations were determined by specific immunoassay . Amikacin and imipenem produced rapid bacterial killing and were associated with low TNF levels . Ceftazidime, aztreonam, and cefotaxime killed E . coli at a slower rate and were associated with significant increases in mononuclear cell TNF responses . Ciprofloxacin produced intermediate TNF levels . Differences exist among bactericidal antibodies in their ability to generate products capable of stimulating mononuclear cell TNF release.

Infect Immun, 1991 Oct, 59(10), 3760 - 7
Differential killing of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Capnocytophaga spp . by human neutrophil granule components; Miyasaki KT et al.; The purpose of this study was to determine whether granule fractions of human neutrophils differentially kill Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Capnocytophaga spp . Granule extracts were subjected to gel filtration, and seven fractions (designated A through G) were obtained . Under aerobic conditions at pH 7.0, representative strains of A . actinomycetemcomitans were killed by fraction D and variably by fraction B . In contrast, the Capnocytophaga spp . were killed by fractions C, D, F, and G . Fractions A (containing lactoferrin and myeloperoxidase) and E (containing lysozyme) exerted little bactericidal activity under these conditions . Anaerobiosis had little effect on the bactericidal activity of fractions D and F but inhibited that of fractions B and C . Electrophoresis, zymography, determination of amino acid composition, and N-terminal sequence analysis revealed that fraction C contained elastase, proteinase 3, and azurocidin . Fraction D contained lysozyme, elastase, and cathepsin G . Subfractions of C and D containing elastase (subfraction C4), a mixture of elastase and azurocidin (subfraction C5), and cathepsin G (subfraction D9) were found to be bactericidal . The bactericidal effects of fraction D and subfraction D9 against A . actinomycetemcomitans was not inhibited by heat inactivation, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, or N-benzyloxycarbonylglycylleucylphenylalanylchloromethyl ketone . We conclude that (i) A . actinomycetemcomitans and Capnocytophaga spp . were sensitive to the bactericidal effects of different neutrophil granule components, (ii) both were sensitive to the bactericidal effects of neutral serine proteases, and (iii) the killing of A . actinomycetemcomitans by cathepsin G-containing fractions was independent of oxygen and neutral serine protease activity.

Grud Serdechnososudistaia Khir, 1991 Oct, (10), 41 - 4
{Experimental studies after resection of the bronchi with a plasma scalpel}; Biriukov IuV et al.; Experimental studies on 18 mongrel dogs showed that resection of large bronchi can be accomplished effectively with a plasma scalpel even in the presence of purulent bronchitis . Reliable hemo- and aerostasis are provided, a marked bactericidal effect is produced, the zone of irreparable thermal changes is relatively small, and proliferative processes prevail in healing . The obtained information allow plasma scalpel to be recommended for resection of large bronchi in clinical practice.

Can J Microbiol, 1991 Oct, 37(10), 751 - 7
Colicins G and H and their host strains; Bradley DE; Escherichia coli strains CA46(pColG) and CA58(pColH) each apparently synthesized two generally similar bactericidal colicin proteins whose molecular weights were approximately 5,500 and 100,000 . These proteins were more resistant to trypsin than representative colicins A, D, E1, and V . The smooth wild-type strains harbouring plasmids pColG and pColH were serotyped O169:NM and O30:NM, respectively, being typically associated with nonpathogenic E . coli of human origin . Rough and semirough variants, which were selected using resistance to novobiocin, were intrinsically insensitive to almost as many colicins (10 tested) as their parents . For this reason the wild-type strains would not be useful for identifying colicins G and H on the basis of immunity . The O antigenic side chains of both wild-type strains shielded three of the six bacteriophage protein receptors tested.

Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 1991 Oct, 20(5), 310 - 2
Penicillin concentration in the compact bone of the mandible; Otten JE et al.; During surgical removal of impacted third molars, the concentration of Penicillin G was determined in the compact bone of the mandible . Fifteen patients received 5 million IU and 15 received 10 million IU of Penicillin G intravenously as a single dose before surgery began . In both groups concentrations of penicillin with a bactericidal effect on most pathogenically relevant oral bacteria were detected during osteotomy . Taking into account the considerable interindividual variation, the one-shot application of 10 million IU of Penicillin G was more effective in certain cases than the 5 million IU dose . The factors influencing the decision on the high single-dose application include expected length of operation, body weight, kidney function, and infusion period . Assuming that in intraoral osteotomies the bone becomes contaminated with bacteria that are highly sensitive to penicillins, the results indicate that preoperative infusion of Penicillin G could be an effective method of preventing wound infection.

Mater Med Pol, 1991 Oct-Dec, 23(4), 302 - 3
The differences in myeloperoxidase activity and consumption of thyroid hormones by bactericidal systems in guinea pigs with peritoneal contamination; Durmus O et al.; In this experiment, the utilization of thyroid hormones and the alterations in myeloperoxidase activity were determined during contamination of the peritoneum after both 10(6) and and 10(9) E . Coli injection, intraperitoneally . During contamination with 10(9) E . Coli thyroid hormones decreased and myeloperoxidase activity increased significantly.

Rev Infect Dis, 1991 Sep-Oct, 13(5), 973 - 8
Interferon-gamma in the management of chronic granulomatous disease; Gallin JI; Bactericidal activity of phagocytic cells depends largely upon their production of highly reactive compounds via the metabolism of oxygen . A lesion anywhere in the biochemical pathway of hydrogen peroxide production potentially can cause chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) . Recent work has shown that CGD results from specific abnormalities in the nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) system, which includes membrane-associated proteins, NADPH, cytochrome b-558, and several cytosolic proteins . Pharmacologic alteration of phagocytic oxidative metabolism can now be achieved through use of recombinant interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) . Data from a multicenter clinical trial indicate that sustained administration of IFN-gamma is effective in the management of CGD; for patients who received IFN-gamma, a 72% reduction in the relative risk of serious infection was noted in comparison with the risk for patients who received placebo . IFN-gamma reduced not only the number of serious primary infections but also the length of hospitalizations.

Am J Med Sci, 1991 Sep, 302(3), 145 - 7
Enhanced neutrophil function in children on bromide therapy; Steele RW et al.; The final step in neutrophil bacterial killing is formation of a toxic halide complex . For this reason, we studied neutrophil function in children receiving bromide anticonvulsant therapy . Whole blood and serum were obtained from 7 patients with seizure disorders treated orally with triple bromide elixir to examine neutrophil function as measured by luminol enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) . Serum bromide concentrations {Br-} were determined concomitantly . There was a direct correlation between {Br-} and CL activity of neutrophils (r = 0.87) with peak CL responses significantly higher than controls when {Br-} were in the therapeutic range (10-20 mM) . With {Br-} above 25 mM, CL activity was reduced . Serum from patients also enhanced CL of control neutrophils with a similar relationship to measured {Br-} . To confirm that enhanced neutrophil activity was attributable to {Br-} use, {Br-} ranging from 0-50 mM were added to control neutrophils in otherwise normal physiologic conditions and the CL assay was performed . Results expressed as percent of control values were as follows: {Br-} 5 mM, 110%; 10 mM, 158%; 15 mM, 194%; 20 mM, 252%; 25 mM, 136%; 30 mM, 364%; and 50 mM, 205% . These data demonstrate that Br- enhances phagocytic and bactericidal activity of neutrophils and suggest that Br- therapy may augment host defense capabilities.

Infect Immun, 1991 Sep, 59(9), 3015 - 20
In vitro killing of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Capnocytophaga spp . by human neutrophil cathepsin G and elastase; Miyasaki KT et al.; The purpose of this study was to compare the killing of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans with that of Capnocytophaga spp . by purified cathepsin G and elastase in vitro . Both were sensitive to killing by purified cathepsin G, but only the Capnocytophaga spp . were killed by elastase . Killing by cathepsin G exhibited logarithmic kinetics, was enhanced slightly by alkaline pH, and was enhanced greatly under hypotonic conditions . Treatment of cathepsin G with diisopropyl fluorophosphate significantly reduced its bactericidal activity against Capnocytophaga spp . but not against Escherichia coli or A . actinomycetemcomitans . The bactericidal effects of cathepsin G against Capnocytophaga sputigena and A . actinomycetemcomitans were inhibited by alpha-1-antichymotrypsin, alpha-1-antitrypsin, and alpha-2-macroglobulin but not by bovine serum albumin . We conclude that (i) cathepsin G kills Capnocytophaga spp . and A . actinomycetemcomitans, (ii) elastase kills Capnocytophaga spp., (iii) the bactericidal activity of cathepsin G is enzyme dependent against Capnocytophaga spp . and enzyme independent against A . actinomycetemcomitans, and (iv) natural plasma antiproteases may control both enzyme-dependent and enzyme-independent bactericidal activities of cathepsin G.

Infect Immun, 1991 Sep, 59(9), 3004 - 8
Protective effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis outer membrane vesicles against bactericidal activity of human serum; Grenier D et al.; The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis outer membrane vesicles on the bactericidal activity of human serum . Human serum was pretreated with extracellular vesicles and then incubated with a cell suspension of Capnocytophaga ochracea . After 2 h at 37 degrees C, the percent viability of C . ochracea was determined by cultivation on blood agar plates . At a final concentration of 0.3 mg/ml, outer membrane vesicles completely inhibited the serum bactericidal activity against C . ochracea . Boiling the vesicles prevented this inhibition . However, partial inhibition of the serum lethal action was obtained when a higher concentration (1.5 mg/ml) of boiled vesicles was used, which indicates the involvement of both heat-labile and heat-stable components associated with vesicles . Combining vesicles at a suboptimal concentration (0.1 mg/ml) with a reducing agent brought back inhibition of the bactericidal activity, whereas combining vesicles at an optimal concentration (0.3 mg/ml) with a thiol-blocking reagent caused a restoration of the bactericidal activity . When a purified preparation of P . gingivalis lipopolysaccharides was used instead of vesicles, inhibition of the bactericidal activity was also observed . These results indicate that the lipopolysaccharides and the proteolytic enzyme(s) associated with P . gingivalis outer membrane vesicles are likely to represent the heat-stable and the heat-labile components, respectively . It is possible that outer membrane vesicles released by P . gingivalis protect other bacterial species from complement action, thus favoring the pathogenic process of periodontal disease.

Infection, 1991 Sep-Oct, 19(5), 343 - 5
In vitro testing of clarithromycin in combination with ethambutol and rifampicin against Mycobacterium avium complex; Stauffer F et al.; The activity of clarithromycin in combination with ethambutol and rifampicin was tested at concentrations achievable in serum against 20 strains of Mycobacterium avium complex . The combination of clarithromycin plus rifampicin showed inhibition of 11 of the strains and bactericidal synergism against seven of the strains . When ethambutol was added, a bactericidal effect was observed against 16 strains . On the basis of these in vitro data it seems that clarithromycin in combination with rifampicin and ethambutol may be a promising drug for the effective treatment of infections caused by M . avium complex.

Arch Ital Urol Nefrol Androl, 1991 Sep, 63(3), 315 - 21
{Antibiotic therapy in infertile subjects with chronic gonococcal infections: measurement of sperm output}; Vicari E et al.; Several antibiotics of choice for the treatment of Gonorrhoea have proved to be effective in the acute forms of this disease . Men infected with gonococci may not develop or may not notice any symptoms at all: thus, complications of gonococcal infection can cause semen inadequacy and infertility . We are not aware of any previous paper on the treatment of chronic asymptomatic gonorrhoea (IUGC) and the cytotoxic effects in sperm maturation (so called "stress pattern tubular syndrome") and/or motility possibly mediated by some antigonococcal agents after prolonged period of administration . In IUGC the aims of therapy should be both the bactericidal activity and the improvement in the seminal quality . One-hundred eleven out of 785 male partners of infertile marriages were studied . They had negative post coital test and culture positive for N . Gonorrhoea in their semen . They were subdivided in six random groups and were treated with Ceftazidime (CFZ = 20 cases), Cefonicid (CFN = 20 cases) Spectinomycin (SPM = 15 cases), Aztreonam (AZT = 20 cases), Piperacillin (PP = 18 cases) and Doxycycline (DXC = 18 cases) respectively . After 7 days of treatment (C1) seminal cultures became negative in 25 cases (22.5%) and no seminal parameter showed significant variation among groups . When the treatment was repeated other twice (C3 . = 1 week every month for 3 months) the antigonococcal efficacy was complete (100%), but various effects on seminal quality (Density, D; Motility, M, Oval forms, O; Sperm precursors, Sp; nemaspermic penetration depth in bovine cervical mucus PN; rate of pregnancies) were observed.

Clin Prev Dent, 1991 Sep-Oct, 13(5), 31 - 4
Effect of amine fluoride subgingival irrigation on periodontally diseased sites; Shapira L et al.; Amine fluoride gel, a surfactant and bactericidal compound was tested for irrigation of periodontal sites in inflammatory periodontal disease . Eight volunteer-patients who had at least 4 sites with probing depths of 6 mm or more in two different quadrants participated in the study . The start of the study was preceded by supragingival scaling . At the selected sites clinical (PI, GI, BOP, probing attachment) and microbial examinations (percentage motile rods and spirochetes) were performed at baseline, 30, 60 and 9 days . Irrigation with AmF gel and saline was performed at experimental and control sites twice weekly during one month . The mean Plaque Index, bleeding on probing and percentage mobile rods and spirochetes, at baseline, were not significantly different between the experimental and control groups, where as the mean gingival index and probing attachment were significantly different . There were decreases in the Plaque and Gingival Indexes, bleeding on probing, percentage motile rods and spirochetes and gain in probing attachment in both experimental and control groups during the test period of 60 days . However, these improvements from baseline values to the periods of 30, 60 and 90 days between the treatment and control groups were not significant . Although mean improvements of the parameters examined were greater in the experimental group, this was probably due to higher baseline values in this group.

J Dermatol, 1991 Sep, 18(9), 523 - 7
Penetration of lysophosphatidylcholine into the dermis; Uchida Y et al.; The ability of Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) to penetrate into the dermis and its degradation were investigated in vivo using hairless rats . Phosphatidylcholine (PC) was used as a control . Radioactively labelled LPC and PC were applied on the surface of skin, and the radioactivities of the epidermis and dermis were measured at 8, 24, and 48 hours . The recoveries of radioactive materials of LPC and PC within the area of epidermis and dermis at 8 hours were 0.21% and 0.25%; at 24 hours, 0.68% and 0.31%; and at 48 hours, 0.42% and 0.92% . No radioactivity was detected in serum . The radioactive substances which had penetrated were identified as LPC, PC, diglycerides, and free fatty acids . It was also found that topical application of LPC did not change the structure of skin as seen by microscopical examination . These findings indicate that a small amount of LPC can penetrate without the damaging skin structure and is enzymatically degraded into several lipids . Since LPC has bactericidal and antiviral activity, this substance could be an useful agent for dermatological use.

J Dairy Sci, 1991 Sep, 74(9), 3078 - 85
Effects of copper status on neutrophil function, superoxide dismutase, and copper distribution in steers; Xin Z et al.; Twelve Holstein steers in a completely randomized block design were fed either a basal diet (concentrate:silage or hay at a DM ratio of 35:65) plus Cu sulfate at 20 ppm of Cu (Cu-supplemented diet) or a basal diet plus ammonium molybdate to obtain 10 ppm of Mo (Cu-depleting diet) on a DM basis in the whole diet for 8 mo . Supplemental Mo was utilized in the Cu-depleting diet to develop a Cu-deficient group . Molybdenum slowly accumulated in the liver in the group fed the Cu-depleting diet . Copper concentrations in the liver and polymorphonuclear neutrophils decreased in the Cu-deficient group compared with the Cu-sufficient group . Plasma Cu concentration did not change during the trial for the Cu-sufficient group . In the Cu-deficient group, plasma Cu concentrations increased during the first 3 mo of the trial, then declined, and remained unchanged for the last 5 mo . Superoxide dismutase activities in red blood cells, polymorphonuclear neutrophils, and whole blood decreased in the Cu-deficient group . Phagocytic capacity was not affected by Cu status, but killing capacity was decreased by low Cu status in the Cu-deficient group by the end of the trial . Glutathione peroxidase activity was unaffected by Cu status . Clinical symptoms of Cu-deficiency were not observed in this trial; there was no evidence of blood hemoglobin or BW gain difference between the two groups . In this study, Cu status affected its distribution in the tissues and related enzyme activities as well as bactericidal function of neutrophils.

Hua Xi Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao, 1991 Sep, 22(3), 274 - 7
{Investigation of impairment of neutrophil's phagocytosis and bactericidal function in rats with iron deficiency}; Li Q et al.; Studies were made to determine the neutrophil's phagocytosis and bactericidal function in three groups of rats (control, iron deficiency, and iron supplement) . Results showed that there were significant differences in values of chemiluminescence (CL) among three groups . The values of peak CL and five minutes integrated CL were markedly decreased in neutrophils of iron-deficient rats, accounting for only 41% and 32% of the control's values respectively . These suggested that the activity of NADPH oxidase was decreased, and the function of respiratory burst of neutrophils was impaired . The activity of myeloperoxidase in the iron-deficient neutrophils was also significantly lower than that in the control cells . It constituted only 30% of the control's value, indicating that the bactericidal function of neutrophils was injured . One week after iron administration, the low values of the peak CL, the five minutes integrated CL and the activity of myeloperoxidase all went up apparently, but not reached the normal levels yet . The time the function of neutrophils in iron-deficient rats returned to normal may be related to the process of neutrophil maturation in bone marrow.

Am J Surg, 1991 Sep, 162(3), 243 - 6
Induction of leukocyte activation by meshes surgically implanted in the peritoneal cavity; Devereux DF et al.; The search for surgical prosthetics that do not act to promote infection has been frustrating . However, recent experience with the implantation of polyglycolic acid mesh (PGA) used as an intestinal sling has been associated with a lack of pelvic infections . To examine the basis for these observations, 1 x 1-cm pieces of biomaterials were sewn onto the peritoneal cavity of rats . The biomaterials examined included PGA mesh, a composite mesh composed of a permanent nonabsorbable Novafil inner layer coated with a PGA outer layer, polyvinyl alcohol sponge, and silicon elastomer . Biomaterials were removed at postoperative days 1, 2, 8, and 14, and examined for bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity by standard techniques . Mesh adherent leukocytes were evaluated for their ability to oxidize dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), which is fluorescent in the presence of intracellular hydrogen peroxide produced by both polymorphonuclear cells and monocytes . PGA and the composite mesh had no intrinsic bacteriostatic or bactericidal activity . However, adherent leukocytes were induced to oxidize DCFH at levels 10-fold and 5-fold, respectively, by postoperative day 14, compared with earlier time points and other biomaterials . The ability of these PGA meshes to stimulate respiratory bursts by peritoneal cells may partly be responsible for the lack of infections associated with their use.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1991 Aug, 28(2), 283 - 9
Concentration of metronidazole in cervical mucus and serum after single and repeated oral doses; Salas-Herrera IG et al.; The disposition of metronidazole in cervical mucus and serum after single and repeated oral doses (400 mg) was investigated in six healthy female subjects . Metronidazole reached higher concentrations in serum than cervical mucus after both single and repeated oral doses . Metronidazole concentrations in both cervical mucus and serum were high enough to be trichomonicidal and bactericidal . After oral administration, metronidazole concentrations in cervical mucus are due to diffusion rather than ion trapping.

Pol Arch Med Wewn, 1991 Aug, 86(2), 94 - 100
{Generation of active oxygen compounds by whole blood granulocytes in patients with chronic renal failure}; Pawlicki L et al.; In patients with chronic renal failure (crf) on conservative treatment whole blood granulocyte superoxide anion (O2-) generation was significantly decreased . Regular hemodialysis treatment did not induce its significant improvement . As granulocyte O2- generation determines production of other active oxygen compounds, this phenomenon may lead to the impairment of phagocyte bactericidal activity and increased susceptibility to infections in crf . Various methods of determination of active oxygen compounds give incomparable results.

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi (Taipei), 1991 Aug, 48(2), 135 - 8
Polymorphonuclear neutrophil function in Kartagener's syndrome--report of two cases; Lee CM et al.; The clinical triad of Kartagener's syndrome (KS) includes situs inversus, sinusitis and bronchiectasis or at least chronic bronchitis . Immotile cilia with various ultrastructural defects have been seen in KS . Because the enhanced susceptibility to infections seen in KS it had been suspected due to significant abnormality of neutrophil function in addition to a defect of ciliary function . In this report, neutrophil functions such as PMN phagocytosis, PMN chemotaxis, Migration inhibition test and PMN bacterial killing test were studied in two cases of KS at a time when they were free of infection . The defects observed by us were only slight . We conclude that although neutrophil motility of patients is normal, the bactericidal activity is depressed in the early stage . Whether this abnormality enhances patient susceptibility to bacterial infections is not yet clear . The significance and actural mechanism for his delayed killing are now under investigation.

Infect Immun, 1991 Aug, 59(8), 2542 - 8
Monocyte responses to sulfatide from Mycobacterium tuberculosis: inhibition of priming for enhanced release of superoxide, associated with increased secretion of interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, and altered protein phosphorylation; Brozna JP et al.; In monocytes, sulfatide, a lipid from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, blocked priming for enhanced release of superoxide (O2-) by the macrophage activating factors lipopolysaccharide, gamma interferon, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and muramyl dipeptide . Sulfatide, in the presence of lipopolysaccharide, also caused increased secretion of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha into monocyte culture medium . Sulfatide altered the pattern of phosphorylation of monocyte proteins . Cell lysates prepared from monocytes treated with sulfatide showed decreased activity of protein kinase C, but sulfatide did not directly inhibit protein kinase C activity when added to lysates . A known inhibitor of protein kinase C, staurosporine, also inhibited O2- release and caused increased secretion of IL-1 beta . Thus, sulfatide appeared to indirectly affect protein kinase C, implicating protein kinase C as part of the mechanism of priming . Because sulfatide blocked priming for enhanced release of O2-, which could interfere with monocyte bactericidal activity, while causing enhanced secretion of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha, which could promote formation of granulomata, sulfatide might be an important factor in the pathogenesis of M . tuberculosis.

Dis Colon Rectum, 1991 Aug, 34(8), 670 - 4
Peritoneal leukocyte response following placement of polyglycolic acid intestinal sling in patients with rectal carcinoma; Devereux DF et al.; The intestinal sling procedure has been used successfully without the observance of pelvic infections . This procedure involves the implantation of polyglycolic acid (PGA) mesh to hold the bowel out of the pelvis to prevent radiation enteritis . We previously showed that PGA mesh has no intrinsic bactericidal activity . Since phagocytic leukocytes produce reactive oxygen intermediates during respiratory burst that are associated with oxygen-dependent bactericidal activity, we examined peritoneal cell types and their respiratory burst activity isolated from patients with biopsy-confirmed rectal carcinoma who underwent the intestinal sling procedure (N = 12) compared with patients who did not (N = 13) . There was no significant difference in the cell types within the peritoneal cavity over the 7-day postoperative period examined . However, there was a significant increase in the ability of leukocytes isolated from mesh patients to produce hydrogen peroxide in the absence of an exogenous stimulus (P less than 0.05), as measured by flow cytometric quantitation of oxidation of the hydroperoxide-sensitive dye, 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) . Despite the higher endogenous DCFH oxidation by leukocytes from mesh patients, the cells retained the ability to oxidize DCFH following treatment with a membrane-active stimulant for respiratory burst activity, 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate . These observations suggest that PGA mesh used for the intestinal sling procedure stimulates the respiratory burst activity of peritoneal leukocytes during the postoperative period in which bacterial proliferation and colonization occur . The stimulation of reactive oxygen intermediates involved in oxygen-dependent bactericidal activity by PGA mesh may be one of the mechanisms underlying the lack of infections observed with the use of PGA mesh in contaminated settings.

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 1991 Aug, 35(5), 615 - 21
Expression of chimeric ras protein with OmpF signal peptide in Escherichia coli: localization of OmpF fusion protein in the inner membrane; Yamamoto T et al.; The ras gene was fused with the DNA sequence of OmpF signal peptide or with the DNA sequence of OmpF signal peptide plus the amino terminal portion of the OmpF gene . They were placed in plasmids together with the bacteriophage lambda PL promoter . These plasmids were introduced into Escherichia coli strain K-12 and the OmpF signal peptide fusion proteins were expressed . These fusion proteins were identified as 29.0 and 30.0 kDa proteins . However, processed products of these proteins were not found in the extract . The fusion proteins were localized mostly in the cytoplasm and the inner membrane, but none of them was secreted into the periplasmic space . On the other hand, the ras protein alone was found in the cytoplasm and not in the inner membrane . Viable counts of E . coli harbouring these plasmids decreased when these fused proteins were induced . Induction of the ras protein alone did not harm cells . These observations suggest that insertion of the heterologous proteins into the inner membrane may cause the bactericidal effect.

Klin Padiatr, 1991 Jul-Aug, 203(4), 302 - 10
The granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF): basic science and clinical application; Burdach S; Granulocyte/Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) stimulates the production as well as the function of myeloid cells, i.e . granulocytes and macrophages . Proliferative effects are exerted on the level of the multipotent as well as the unipotent progenitor cell . Functional effects on mature phagocytes comprise bactericidal and tumoricidal mechanisms including induction of cytokine release . GM-CSF receptors are present on normal hematopoietic progenitors as well as on mature granulocytes, on leukemic cells and some non-hematopoietic cells . Alteration of the GM-CSF gene has been associated with distinct features of AML and ALL . The glycosilated molecule is produced by various hemolymphopoietic and possibly non-hematopoietic cells, amongst whom T-lymphocytes and marrow stroma may be most relevant for myelopoiesis . The regulation of gene expression is exerted on both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels of gene expression . GM-CSF production may play a role in steady state as well as in stress hematopoiesis . In vivo application of GM-CSF leads to a marked increase of phagocytes, in particular granulocytes . GM-CSF reduces the duration of neutropenia following aplasiogenic and ablative therapy . GM-CSF may possibly be helpful in the treatment of victims of radiation accidents and in patients with acquired neutropenias and glykogenosis IB . The curative potential for the underlying malignant disease is to be investigated in the present cooperative european Ewing's sarcoma study.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1991 Jul, 35(7), 1444 - 7
Radiolabeling of Mycobacterium leprae lipids within schwannoma cells, a potential drug screening system; Mistry Y et al.; This study describes a novel method which could be developed into a test system of evaluating the efficacy of antileprosy drugs . The method estimates incorporation of {14C}acetate into lipids of Mycobacterium leprae maintained within the 33B Schwannoma cell line . Schwannoma cell-resident M . leprae cells incorporated significant levels of radiolabel within their lipids during 12 days of incubation in vitro . This incorporation was markedly reduced by 5 micrograms of rifampin per ml (decrease, 81.62%); this decrease was observed within 24 h of addition of the drug . Dapsone also reduced the radiolabel incorporation into the lipids, but to a lesser extent (decrease, 27.58%) . This system was also able to differentiate between rifampin-sensitive and -resistant strains of mycobacteria . It is suggested that since the effect of bacteriostatic (dapsone) and bactericidal (rifampin) drugs could be detected by using this technique, it may prove useful in screening novel drugs acting against M . leprae.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1991 Jul, 35(7), 1423 - 9
Bactericidal effects of ticarcillin-clavulanic acid against Legionella pneumophila pneumonia in immunocompromised weanling rats; Smith GM et al.; A model of acute Legionella pneumophila pneumonia in neutropenic weanling rats was developed as a means of assessing the efficacies in vivo of the beta-lactams ticarcillin, ticarcillin-clavulanic acid, and clavulanic acid, agents active against the organism in vitro . Weanling rats were dosed with cyclophosphamide 3 days before and immediately prior to infection by intrabronchial intubation with L . pneumophila . The bacteria persisted in the lungs of untreated animals at high counts (5.0 to 7.0 log10 CFU/g of lung tissue) for up to 168 h after infection, and the histological characteristics of the infection were similar to those of the disease in humans . Transmission electron micrography revealed the presence of L . pneumophila multiplying within alveolar macrophages . Therapy with ticarcillin was ineffective in reducing the bacterial numbers in the lung tissue, whereas ticarcillin-clavulanic acid and clavulanic acid were active, producing bactericidal effects similar to those of erythromycin . The ticarcillin-clavulanic acid combination was significantly more efficacious (P less than 0.01) than corresponding doses of clavulanic acid alone . Synergistic activity between ticarcillin and clavulanic acid against L . pneumophila has been demonstrated in vivo, and the combination showed activity similar to that of erythromycin.

J Periodontol, 1991 Jul, 62(7), 434 - 8
The effect of chlorhexidine treatment of root surfaces on the attachment of human gingival fibroblasts in vitro; Alleyn CD et al.; Chlorhexidine mouthrinse is a widely used adjunct in periodontal therapy due to its bactericidal effects . The effect of this agent on chronic gingivitis and wound healing following surgical therapy in animals and humans has been favorable . The re-establishment of lost connective tissue attachment to the root surface following periodontal therapy is a desirable goal in which the ability of periodontal ligament fibroblasts to reattach to root surfaces of periodontally involved teeth is a critical event . Understanding the effect of chlorhexidine on fibroblast attachment will provide the rationale for its use during the healing phase of periodontal surgery . For this study, impacted third molars were sectioned into 4 pieces . Groups of 10 root pieces were exposed to 0.12% chlorhexidine or saline for 3 minutes followed by a distilled water rinse . The root pieces were incubated with human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) using standard tissue culture techniques for 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours . HGF were prelabeled with 3H-thymidine to a standard specific activity . The surface area of each root piece was determined and the attached cells quantified by using scintillation spectroscopy . The number of cells per unit area was then calculated and the data expressed as cells/mm2 . The repeated measures design was statistically analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance . There was a significant difference between the number of attached cells in the chlorhexidine and the control groups (P less than 0.001) . Exposure of root surfaces to chlorhexidine significantly inhibits subsequent fibroblast attachment which may interfere with regeneration of the periodontium . Hence, the data suggest that efforts should be made to minimize chlorhexidine contact with the root surface with physical barriers.

J Infect Dis, 1991 Jul, 164(1), 152 - 7
Interferon decreases the growth inhibition of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex by fresh human monocytes but not by culture-derived macrophages; Blanchard DK et al.; Using a rapid radiolabel assay, monocytes derived from the peripheral blood of normal donors were found to kill 40%-92% of inoculated Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC), an opportunistic pathogen commonly found in AIDS patients . However, bactericidal activity was significantly lower in 4-day culture-derived macrophages compared with matched monocyte cultures . The addition of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) to monocytes was found to inhibit the bactericidal activity of fresh monocytes . The number of bacteria recovered from fresh monocytes exposed to IFN-gamma was significantly higher than that in control cultures with MAC alone, suggesting that intracellular MAC growth could be stimulated by IFN-gamma . This enhancement of MAC survival and growth by IFN-gamma was not observed when culture-derived macrophages were used . Similar results were obtained with IFN-alpha/A2 . These results indicate, therefore, that the innate efficiency of mycobacterial killing by monocytes can be down-regulated by IFN, but macrophages are not significantly affected.

Quintessence Int, 1991 Jul, 22(7), 587 - 91
Factors affecting the stability of sodium hypochlorite solutions used to disinfect dental impressions; Gerhardt DE et al.; Increased concern over the transmission of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, hepatitis B, herpes, and other diseases has prompted research into the disinfection of dental impressions . Among the factors to be considered when dental impressions are disinfected is the stability of the disinfectant solutions during storage and use . This study is concerned with the effect on disinfectant solutions of repeated immersion of alginate dental impressions taken in metal trays . The effects of the impression materials, metal trays, and dilution were evaluated, and the impact of light, heat, and storage were also addressed . The findings indicated that in the test solutions, although considerable chlorine was consumed during the disinfection procedures, bactericidal activity was maintained, while in the control solution both chlorine content and bactericidal activity were remarkably stable.

Orthop Clin North Am, 1991 Jul, 22(3), 467 - 71
Does hyperbaric oxygen have a place in the treatment of osteomyelitis?
Calhoun JH, Cobos JA, Mader JT.
There are several specific mechanisms by which HBO restores normal cellular processes that are compromised by hypoxia, or by which HBO augments bactericidal events . All of these are potentially applicable to, and beneficial for, the osteomyelitis patient . At the University of Texas Medical Branch, we find that early osteomyelitis is usually amenable to appropriate medical and surgical therapy . Adjunctive HBO is generally reserved for treatment of advanced stages of osteomyelitis (3B and 4B) . In addition, HBO is occasionally used when patient circumstances dictate suppression of osteomyelitis rather than definitive treatment . Our clinical impression is that HBO has a beneficial effect on treatment outcome in these selected patients . Fault-free clinical studies are difficult to perform in this complex and varied patient population . Several studies have suggested a beneficial effect with the addition of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen to usual osteomyelitis treatment regimens, whereas other clinical studies have failed to demonstrate such a benefit . No study has shown any harmful effect of adjunctive HBO on the outcome of osteomyelitis treatment . We hope that clinical researchers will continue to address this question, despite the research design problems inherent in the osteomyelitis population.

Med Parazitol (Mosk), 1991 Jul-Aug, (4), 47 - 9
{The morphology of the inflammatory reaction in the parenchymatous organs of mice infested with Toxocara}; Maiboroda AA et al.; The nature and dynamics of inflammatory changes have been studied in the liver and lungs of CBA/j mice infected with T . canis oocysts (Moscow and Irkutsk strains) . It has been shown that in larval toxocariasis of mice two peaks of total leukocyte concentration are observed in the peripheral blood, on days 8 and 13-15 of invasion, which reflects terms of larvae migration via liver and lungs . The course of the inflammatory process in the parenchymatous organs of experimental animals is 7 days slower than in aseptic inflammation due to 2-4-fold inhibition of leukocyte chemotaxis and 3-fold decrease in bactericidal activity . Larval migration of Irkutsk T . canis strain from the liver to the lungs and to the brain is 7-10 days slower than in the Moscow strain.

Indian J Chest Dis Allied Sci, 1991 Jul-Sep, 33(3), 133 - 8
Hepatitis in patients with surgical complications of pulmonary tuberculosis; Ansari MM et al.; During last six years, 2250 patients were treated in Cardiothoracic Unit for thoracic complications of pulmonary tuberculosis . During isoniazid/streptomycin/ethambutol treatment, 2 patients out of 710 (0.28%) developed hepatitis . During isoniazid/rifampicin/ethambutol therapy, 18 patients out of 1540 (1.17%) suffered from jaundice; all these patients were above 30 years of age, and many had gross anemia (Hb less than 9 gm%), hypoalbuminemia (less than 3 gm%) and radiologically far-advanced disease in comparison to those who did not develop jaundice (p less than 0.05) . Jaundice subsided completely after discontinuation of isoniazid and/or rifampicin which were re-instituted successfully after recovery without recurrence of hepatitis . It is suggested that the development of hepatitis does not warrant total withdrawal of these two highly effective bactericidal drugs but they should be tried again cautiously after recovery from jaundice.

J Postgrad Med, 1991 Jul, 37(3), 160 - 2
Micromethod for PMN function studies in neonates; Samtani JR et al.; Polymorphonuclear neutrophils play an important role in host defense mechanism . To assess PMN function in neonate a micromethod using only a few drops of blood was standardised . PMN adherent to coverslip were incubated with bacteria and using a differential staining with Acridine Orange (AO) phagocytic and bactericidal capacity were estimated.

J Infect Dis, 1991 Jun, 163(6), 1374 - 7
The activity of amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid against Mycobacterium leprae in mice; Gelber RH; The activity of amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid against logarithmically multiplying Mycobacterium leprae was evaluated by treating mice by gavage five times weekly with various amounts of the compound from day 60 to day 150 after footpad infection . At 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, it was inactive; at 200-600 mg/kg, multiplication of M . leprae was entirely prevented for 6-11 months after drug discontinuation, consistent with observations of bactericidal activity for M . leprae . In a confirmatory study in mice, five-times-weekly intraperitoneal ticarcillin plus clavulanic acid, 1000 mg/kg, was not bactericidal for M . leprae, while amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid, 400 mg/kg five times weekly, was weakly bactericidal (80% +/- 14%) . In addition, activity of amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid, 400 mg/kg, was evaluated in combination with previously established active drugs dapsone, 0.0001% (in diet), rifampin, 20 mg/kg monthly (by gavage), and kanamycin, 25 mg/kg five times weekly (intraperitoneally) . All three combinations were active, and the combination with kanamycin was more active than either drug alone.

J Immunol, 1991 Jun 1, 146(11), 3964 - 70
Complement-mediated killing of the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi . Role of antibody in formation of an effective membrane attack complex; Kochi SK et al.; Lyme disease is a multisystemic illness caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi . In the absence of specific antibody, the spirochete is resistant to the bactericidal activity of C, despite the capacity of B . burgdorferi to activate both C pathways . We examined the mechanism of serum resistance by measuring the deposition of C3 and terminal C components on B . burgdorferi in the presence and absence of immune IgG . In normal human serum antibody-sensitized borreliae bound similar amounts of C3, and similar or increased amounts of C8 and C9, in comparison to unsensitized bacteria . However, at comparable levels of C3, C8, or C9 uptake, only sensitized bacteria were killed . The requirement of antibody for killing could not be explained by differences in the rate of C deposition or by differences in the C9 to C8 ratio in the membrane attack complex (MAC) . We found that bacteria incubated in C5-depleted human serum, but not in C6-depleted serum, were killed when this treatment was followed by antibody and the missing C components . Bacteria were also killed by reactive lysis (C5b-9) provided that antibody was present . Therefore, the effect of bactericidal IgG occurred at the stage of C5b binding to the bacterial surface . Elution studies of bound C9 indicated that the MAC was stably bound to the outer membrane of B . burgdorferi, whether or not the bacteria were treated with antibody . However, treatment with 0.1% trypsin released 48% of 125I-C9 from the surface of unsensitized borreliae and 24% from IgG-sensitized cells, demonstrating that the presence of the antibody changed the accessibility to trypsin of C9 in the MAC . These results indicate that the effect of antibody in the killing process is not to enhance the rate or extent of initial or terminal component binding, but rather to alter the bacterial outer membrane to allow effective MAC formation.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1991 Jun, 10(6), 515 - 8
Sensitivity of Helicobacter pylori to different bile salts; Hanninen ML; The sensitivity of Helicobacter pylori to different unconjugated or conjugated bile acids both on BHI blood agar and in BHI broth supplemented with starch, horse serum or egg yolk was studied . Bile salts were more toxic in the medium containing starch than in the media containing horse serum or egg yolk, and unconjugated bile salts were more toxic than the conjugated salts . Deoxycholic acid was the most toxic of the bile acids studied . Ox bile was bacteriostatic at the 2% level . Bile Salts 3 mixture was bactericidal at a concentration of 0.25 mmol.

J Med Microbiol, 1991 Jun, 34(6), 329 - 32
The role of the SOS response in bacteria exposed to zidovudine or trimethoprim; Lewin CS et al.; Trimethoprim was more potent than zidovudine as an inducer of the SOS response in Escherichia coli . The level of induction by each compound initially increased with rising drug concentration and then fell; this effect was less marked with zidovudine than with trimethoprim . The SOS response did not appear to be involved in the inhibition of bacterial multiplication as the MICs of trimethoprim or zidovudine for recA430 and lexA3 mutants, which are unable to induce the SOS response, were identical to the MICs for the parent strains . However, the bactericidal activity of each compound against strains deficient in the SOS response was reduced . This suggest that induction of the DNA repair system contributes to the bactericidal activity of the drugs.

Blood, 1991 Jun 1, 77(11), 2482 - 7
Point mutations in the beta-subunit of cytochrome b558 leading to X-linked chronic granulomatous disease; Bolscher BG et al.; The NADPH:O2 oxidoreductase of phagocytic leukocytes is an important enzyme for the bactericidal activity of these cells . Cytochrome b558 is a membrane component of this enzyme . In X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (Xb- CGD) the phagocytes are defective in the beta-subunit (gp91-phox) of this cytochrome . We have studied the genetic defect in a group of six X-linked CGD patients characterized by complete or partial loss of cytochrome b558 with the use of the polymerase chain reaction . All patients had a different single point mutation in the gp91-phox gene, indicating that the genetic defect in Xb- CGD is very heterogeneous . In one patient the mutation leads to a premature termination codon . In the other five cases these mutations predict incorporation of a different amino acid . The mutations were with one exception found in the N-terminal half of the protein, suggesting that this part of cytochrome b558 is important for the binding of the heme or for formation of a stable complex with p22-phox . Two histidyl residues were found that might be ligands of the heme iron.

Eur J Surg, 1991 Jun-Jul, 157(6-7), 393 - 5
Effect of povidone iodine and chlorhexidine on the mortality and bacterial clearance in the abdominal cavity of peritonitis rats; Celdran Uriarte A et al.; Peritonitis was induced in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal inoculation of pure Escherichia coli . The mortality rate in the untreated control group was 36% (18/50) . Rats in which 2 ml 1% povidone iodine had been injected intraperitoneally 5 min after the bacterial challenge, had a significantly increased mortality rate (43/50, 86%) (p less than 0.01) . When the same experiment was done with 2 ml of 0.05% chlorhexidine the mortality rate decreased significantly to 16% (8/50) (p less than 0.05) . Povidone iodine did not have any bactericidal effect; on the contrary, the number of colonies of bacteria had increased in all the animals 12 and 24 hours after challenge . Chlorhexidine, on the other hand, had sufficient bactericidal effect to cause a progressive decrease in the concentration of intraperitoneal bacteria.

J Hosp Infect, 1991 Jun, 18 Suppl A, 280 - 8
International standardization of disinfectant testing: is it possible?
Reybrouck G.
At present there is no harmonization of antiseptic and disinfectant testing in the world, not even in Europe . In the case of surface disinfection the bactericidal activity of preparations is evaluated by very different techniques . The Association of Official Analytical Chemists of the USA prescribes a carrier test, the use-dilution test, to determine the maximum dilutions that are effective for practical disinfection . In Germany and in France, the final test for determining the use-dilution of a disinfectant preparation is a practical test mimicking conditions of use . In the UK the Kelsey-Sykes test, a capacity test, is more popular . The Council of Europe prescribes a quantitative suspension test with organic load, the European Suspension Test (EST), as the definitive testing method for disinfectants used in food hygiene . It is to be expected that these varied testing techniques would yield different results . The evaluation of a testing technique should be supported by correlation of the results of the tests with efficacy in practice . The recent founding of a technical committee of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) raises great hope that, at least in Europe, a harmonization of the testing techniques will be possible in the near future.

J Hosp Infect, 1991 Jun, 18 Suppl A, 274 - 9
Disinfectant testing in the USA; Groschel DH; The federally mandated registration of disinfectants with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires the submission of efficacy test data obtained with the accepted methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) . These include qualitative suspension tests for bacteria and fungi and carrier tests with use-dilutions for bactericidal, mycobactericidal and sporicidal activity . There is no AOAC method for virucides, and the present methods set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the EPA are under scrutiny by the scientific community . The AOAC use-dilution test was challenged by the users, and two collaborative studies by the EPA and the AOAC did not resolve all questions . A new, quantitative supension test was proposed . The AOAC mycobactericial carrier test was found to be deficient for testing glutaraldehydes; an updated version and a new quantitative suspension test have been accepted by the EPA for registration . As a result, different glutaraldehyde preparations carry different label claims which are confusing to the consumer . National and international standardization of testing is desirable.

Stomatologiia (Mosk), 1991 May-Jun, 70(3), 25 - 7
{The use of the polymeric sorbent Regenkur in the combined treatment of suppurative diseases of the soft tissues of the face and neck}; Perminov AN et al.; Application of regencur, a local draining sorbent, to phlegmons of the face and neck in 48 patients resulted in shortening of the first phase of the wound process, this permitting earlier suturing of the wounds with primary delayed and secondary sutures . Active sorption and local detoxication were conducive to reduction of lipid peroxidation processes in tissues and blood plasma and to enhancement of leukocytic bactericidal activity.

Fogorv Sz, 1991 May, 84(5), 151 - 4
{Bacterial resistance of certain photopolymerizing filling materials and glass ionomer cements}; Herczegh A et al.; In the course of the study the photopolimerizating filling materials (Visiomolar, Heliomolar, Heliosit, Silux, P-50, Prismatic) and the glass ionomer cements (Ketacfil, Ketac-silver) served as supposed sources of carbon for Ps . aeruginosa . All the examined materials have shown a suitable resistance to the studied bacterium species . If sunflower oil has been absorbed onto the surface of the examined materials, then a limited increase of the living germ counts has been observed . Ketac-silver was proved to be bactericidal in every case.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1991 May, 35(5), 961 - 6
Synergistic effects between amoxicillin, metronidazole, and the hydroxymetabolite of metronidazole against Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans; Pavicic MJ et al.; Interactions between metronidazole and amoxicillin, metronidazole and its hydroxymetabolite, and amoxicillin and the hydroxymetabolite of metronidazole were investigated with checkerboard titrations in combination with accurately determined MICs and MBCs . Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was used as the test organism . Synergism was found for all three combinations . Fractional inhibitory concentration indices and fractional bactericidal concentration indices varied from 0.3 to 0.7 . These synergistic interactions between these antibiotics may explain the efficacy of the combination of metronidazole and amoxicillin in various bacterial infections, including periodontal disease.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1991 May, 35(5), 1011 - 3
MICs and MBCs of chemotherapeutic agents against Renibacterium salmoninarum; Bandin I et al.; The efficacies of 21 chemotherapeutic agents for controlling bacterial kidney disease were evaluated . The bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic effects of these drugs were tested against 11 Renibacterium salmoninarum strains with different origins . The most effective compounds displaying both bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity for all the isolates were tetracycline and erythromycin, with MICs ranging from less than 0.62 to 10.95 micrograms/ml for tetracycline and from less than 0.62 to 5.47 micrograms/ml for erythromycin . Whereas tetracycline showed identical MICs and MBCs, erythromycin showed bactericidal effects at concentrations of 5.47 to 21.87 micrograms/ml . Similarly, cefazolin and tiamulin proved to be very effective bactericidal compounds against the majority of R . salmoninarum isolates, with MBCs for 90% of the strains tested of 21.87 and 10.95 micrograms/ml, respectively . Neither nitrofuranes, quinolones, nor sulfonamides showed inhibitory effects on the growth of the strains.

Pathol Biol (Paris), 1991 May, 39(5), 436 - 41
{Intra-macrophagic activity of antibiotics combinations against Mycobacterium marinum}; Gevaudan MJ et al.; Fourteen strains of Mycobacterium marinum were isolated from patients with granulomatous skin lesion . All the strains were resistant to isoniazid and pyrazinamid and five resistant to rifampicin . The following antibiotics are used alone or in combination: ethambutol, rifabutin, ciprofloxacin, temafloxacin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, minocyclin . Minimal inhibitory concentrations are evaluated using agar dilution method . After what, activity of antibiotics against Mycobacterium marinum strains within human macrophages in investigated . After treating the monolayers at 24 and 96 h, a bactericidal effect is observed with rifabutin, ciprofloxacin, temafloxacin, clarithromycin and minocyclin . Combinations of ciprofloxacin, temafloxacin or clarithromycin with ethambutol and rifabutin produced synergistic effect.

Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1991 May, 65(5), 521 - 6
{Superoxide anion (O2-) production by polymorphonuclear leukocytes in insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)}; Nakahata H et al.; The superoxide anion (O2-) production in polymorphonuclear leukocytes stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate in IDDM and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) was determined by the method of Johnston et al, compared with that of each age matched controls . And the correlation between O2- production and hemoglobin (Hb) A1 and A1c value was investigated . The O2- production in IDDM was 24.4 +/- 7.4 (mean +/- SD, n mol per 4 X 10(5) cells) at 10 min . and 51.4 +/- 8.7 at 30 min., in NIDDM each 31.6 +/- 9.3, 60.2 +/- 14.4, and in controls each 40.5 +/- 4.2, 72.4 +/- 3.1 . O2- production in IDDM was significantly lower than that in NIDDM (p less than 0.001 at 10 min . and p less than 0.01 30 min.) and controls (p less than 0.001 at 10 and 30 min.) . O2- production at 10 and 30 min . possessed a negative correlation with Hba1 and A1c value (HbA1: p less than 0.01 at 10 min . p less than 0.05 at 30 min., HbA1c: p less than 0.01 at 10 and 30 min.) . These findings suggest that impaired O2- production might be one of the factors accounting for depressed bactericidal activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in IDDM, and that a protracted hyperglycemia might shed some effect on O2- production.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1991 Apr, 35(4), 756 - 9
Lack of effective bactericidal activity of new quinolones against Brucella spp; Garcia-Rodriguez JA et al.; The in vitro activities of six fluoroquinolones against 43 Brucella spp . were compared by testing three different inocula at two medium pH values . The influence of the test conditions was moderate . The activities of all quinolones were lower at pH 5 and with a high inoculum size . Results indicate the lack of effective bactericidal activity of quinolones against most strains of Brucella spp., particularly B . abortus.

Vrach Delo, 1991 Apr, (4), 65 - 7
{The immunological indices of patients with chronic myeloleukemia at the blast crisis stage}; Romanova AF et al.; Twenty patients with chronic myeloleucosis in the stage of blast crisis were examined . Results of immunological investigations indicate that these patients showed below normal indices of the absorptive and bactericidal function of polymorphous-nuclear neutrophils and cationic proteins . The number of T- and B-lymphocytes was also reduced . The immunity values were to the same degree inhibited as in patients with acute leucosis . Changes of the immune status depend on the degree of blastemia . Along with cytostatic agents patients with chronic myeloleucosis in the stage of blast crisis should undergo immunocorrection, primarily correction of cellular immunity.

Orthop Rev, 1991 Apr, 20(4), 331 - 7
Antibiotic-impregnated beads . Part II: Factors in antibiotic selection; Popham GJ et al.; Part I of this series discussed the advantages of implanted antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate beads over systemic therapy for managing chronic osteomyelitis and acute musculoskeletal infections . Numerous antibiotics are available for use in polymethylmethacrylate . However, specific characteristics should be considered prior to therapeutic selection: the antibiotic should be water-soluble, bactericidal, nontoxic to tissues, and readily available in powder form . In this concluding segment, the organisms most commonly cultured from orthopaedic infections and appropriate combinations of antibiotics and bone cements are outlined.

J Bacteriol, 1991 Apr, 173(8), 2420 - 4
Sensitivity of Escherichia coli to cloacin DF13 involves the major outer membrane protein OmpF; Wooldridge KG et al.; Fourteen spontaneous cloacin DF13-insensitive mutants of an Escherichia coli strain expressing the aerobactin-cloacin DF13 receptor protein IutA were isolated . The mutants fell into three classes on the basis of outer membrane profiles analyzed by electrophoresis in denaturing polyacrylamide gels . The most frequent class lacked the IutA protein and was unable to bind cloacin DF13 or aerobactin . A second class of mutants had lost protein species corresponding in size to the porin proteins OmpF and OmpC . To determine which porin was required for the bactericidal activity of cloacin DF13, defined strains with mutations at the ompB (ompR envZ) locus were transformed with a recombinant plasmid carrying the iutA gene and screened for cloacin DF13 sensitivity . OmpF- strains, whether OmpC+ or OmpC-, were insensitive to cloacin DF13, indicating involvement of the OmpF protein in cloacin DF13 killing . An OmpC- OmpF+ strain, on the other hand, was more sensitive than the wild-type parent strain, probably because of compensatory overexpression of OmpF . The third class of cloacin DF13-insensitive mutant had lost an outer membrane protein of approximately 31 kDa . The nature and function of this protein are not yet known, but it is not the protease OmpT . Mutants of classes 2 and 3 bound cloacin DF13 and aerobactin as effectively as the cloacin DF13-sensitive parental strain, indicating that they remained IutA+ . We propose that these mutants (more accurately described as cloacin DF13 tolerant) are defective in translocation of the active portion of cloacin DF13 across the bacterial membranes.

Indian J Med Res, 1991 Apr, 94, 102 - 6
Effect of antibiotics on polymorphonuclear function in iron deficiency anaemia patients & normal volunteers; Banerjee M et al.; The effect of erythromycin and gentamicin on polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) functions was assessed in normal individuals and in patients with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) before and after treatment with iron . The PMN phagocytic function was investigated by the standard method . Erythromycin in vivo significantly increased the PMN phagocytic function from 44.18 +/- 2.08 to 57.0 +/- 1.5 at 8 h and the bactericidal activity from 48.33 +/- 1.97 to 56.7 +/- 0.89 at 8 h in the normal adult male volunteers . A significant increase in phagocytic and bactericidal function of PMNs from IDA patients was also observed after in vivo administration of erythromycin . Gentamicin in vitro reduced the bactericidal activity of PMN from normal volunteers (P less than 0.05) but increased the PMN phagocytic activity in normal volunteers and IDA patients.

J Lab Clin Med, 1991 Apr, 117(4), 282 - 90
Severe congenital neutropenia: clinical effects and neutrophil function during treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor; Weston B et al.; We studied neutrophil function and clinical responses in seven patients with severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) after they received treatment with recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) . Two subpopulations of patients with SCN were defined by their pattern of absolute neutrophil response, superoxide production, and cytochrome b559 levels . One group had an oscillating absolute neutrophil count and reduced ability to produce superoxide and cytochrome b559 (n = 4), and the second group had a relatively constant absolute neutrophil count response with normal superoxide and cytochrome levels (n = 3) . Neutrophils from both groups had decreased surface expression of FcRIII and abnormal upregulation of the C3bi receptor (CR3) . All patient neutrophils, however, had normal contents of the primary granule constituent, beta-glucuronidase, and the specific granule constituent, vitamin B 12 binding protein . The clinical response to rhG-CSF was evident by marked improvement in the degree of periodontitis and reduction in the number of oral ulcers in both groups of patients . Although neutrophil function is not completely normal in patients with SCN, it is likely that enough redundancy exists in neutrophil bactericidal capacity to promote normal host response to inflammation.

Clin Invest Med, 1991 Apr, 14(2), 160 - 6
Population and molecular genetics of susceptibility to tuberculosis; Skamene E; Genetic influences on the course of mycobacterial infections during epidemics and in the endemic areas have always been suspected, but the precise nature of such genetic control and of the inherited mechanisms of susceptibility has been unknown . We have used the methods of population genetics in the mouse to discover a single dominant autosomal gene which controls the susceptibility to tuberculosis . The phenotypic expression of this gene has been defined as the nonspecific macrophage activation for bactericidal function . Using recombinant inbred strains we have mapped this gene to the centromeric part of Chromosome 1, and we have identified closely linked DNA polymorphisms (RFLP sites) which can be used as biochemical markers of innate susceptibility . It has recently become obvious that a homologous linkage group of RFLP sites is conserved in the bovine genome and also on the long arm (2q) of human Chromosome 2, suggesting the existence of a human homologue of the mouse host resistance gene . Experiments currently in progress test this hypothesis by linkage analysis of the trait of resistance and susceptibility to tuberculosis with the allelic forms of the 2q DNA markers . The identification of the human gene for susceptibility would be of major importance in the search for genetically susceptible individuals and in the development of novel strategies of specific prevention and treatment.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1991 Apr, 10(4), 223 - 31
Mode of action of the new quinolones: new data; Hooper DC et al.; New details of the molecular interactions of quinolones with their target DNA gyrase and DNA have come from the nucleotide sequences of the gyrA genes from resistant mutants of Escherichia coli and wild-type strains of other bacteria and studies of gyrase A tryptic fragments, all suggesting the importance of an amino-terminal domain in quinolone action . Alterations in DNA supertwisting were also associated with altered quinolone susceptibility, possibly by indirect effects on DNA gyrase expression . Specific binding of relevant concentrations of norfloxacin to a complex of DNA gyrase and DNA in the presence of ATP, the cooperativity of DNA binding, and the crystalline structure of nalidixic acid have led to a model in which quinolones bind cooperatively to a pocket of single-strand DNA created by DNA gyrase . Quinolones vary in their relative activity against DNA gyrase and its eukaryotic homolog topoisomerase II, and in some assays increased action against the eukaryotic enzyme was associated with genotoxicity . Inhibition of bacterial DNA synthesis by quinolones may correlate with MICs in some species, but comparisons of drug accumulation and inhibition of DNA synthesis in permeabilized cells among species have been difficult to interpret . The specific factors necessary for bacterial killing by quinolones in addition to interaction with DNA gyrase have remained elusive, but include oxygen and new protein synthesis . The coordinate expression of the SOS proteins appears not to be necessary for quinolone lethality . Two independent mutants with selective reduced killing by quinolones and beta-lactams indicate overlap in the pathways of bactericidal activity of these classes of agents with distinct targets.

Inflammation, 1991 Apr, 15(2), 127 - 35
Comparison of group I and II soluble phospholipases A2 activities on phagocytic functions of human polymorphonuclear and mononuclear phagocytes; Pruzanski W et al.; Soluble phospholipase A2 (PLA2) purified from rheumatoid synovial fluid (group II) and repurified Naja naja venom PLA2 (group I) were compared for their influence on phagocytic activity of human polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear (MO) phagocytes . Group II PLA2 reduced chemotaxis, adhesiveness, and intracellular bactericidal activity (ICBA) and induced release of muramidase from PMNs . Group I PLA2 suppressed chemotaxis, and enhanced ICBA but had no influence on other phagocytic functions . Group II PLA2 purified from synovial fluid or from placenta caused marked spontaneous superoxide generation followed by inhibition of phagocytosis-induced burst of energy . Group I Naja naja and porcine pancreatic PLA2 had no effect on superoxide generation . Group II but not group I PLA2 reduced markedly ICBA of monocytes . It may be concluded that human group II soluble PLA2, in concentrations comparable to those present in inflamed joints or in sera of patients with active arthritis or septic shock, causes spontaneous formation of the oxygen radical superoxide and release of lysosomal enzymes, and suppresses conventional phagocytic activities of PMNs and monocytes . Marked differences between group I and group II PLA2s may mean that these enzymes exert different influences on cell membrane.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1991 Apr, 35(4), 760 - 3
Activities of various macrolide antibiotics against Mycobacterium leprae infection in mice; Gelber RH et al.; We evaluated the activities of several macrolide antibiotics against M . leprae infections in mouse footpads . Erythromycin and azithromycin were inactive, while both roxithromycin and clarithromycin were found to be consistently active and, in fact, bactericidal . By both methods, clarithromycin was found to be superior to roxithromycin, a finding which, at least in part, may be a consequence of the higher levels of clarithromycin at the site of infection.

Z Gesamte Inn Med, 1991 Apr, 46(6), 179 - 84
{Current knowledge of the mechanism of neutrophil granulocyte and macrophage activation for the formation of superoxide anions and of H2O2 and for the causes of defects in the NADPH-oxidase enzyme system involved}; Kolb E; By the binding of activators (f.e . complement factor C5a, leukotriene B4) to receptors of neutrophil granulocytes an activation of a GTP-binding protein is induced, that increases the activity of the phospholipase C in the membrane and thereby the liberation of inositol-1,4,5-phosphate (IP) and of diacylglycerol (DG) . The IP effects the liberation of Ca from intracellular stores and an increase in the concentration of Ca-ions in the cytosol . The DG induces an activation of the phosphokinase C near the membrane, that phosphorylates a cytosolic protein, which takes part in the formation of the NADPH-oxidase . The mentioned reactions induce in the membrane the construction of the NADPH-oxidase from a NADPH-binding protein, a flavoprotein, a cytochrome b 558 and from 4 cytosolic proteins . When phagolysosomes are formed, the NADPH-oxidase is part of the membrane, so bactericidal superoxide-anions can be introduced in these . In the chronic granulomatous disease defects in the formation of cytochrome b or of 2 cytosolic proteins exist.

Presse Med, 1991 Mar 16, 20(10), 465 - 70
{Prevention of duodenal ulcer recurrence . A new prospect}; Soule JC; Prevention of recurrence is now the main therapeutic problem in the management of duodenal ulcer disease . It has been shown that in the absence of maintenance treatment the mean recurrence rate within 6 to 12 months from healing obtained with drugs other than H2-receptor antagonists (H2A) is lower than when healing is obtained with H2A . Possible reasons for this discrepancy are examined . When the recurrence rates observed with each of the non-H2A drugs were compared individually with those observed with H2A, the only important and constant difference was in favour of colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS) . This beneficial effect of CBS is due to its bactericidal action on Helicobacter pylori . Unlike healing, prevention of recurrent ulcer is primarily, if not exclusively, related to eradication of this organism . Although the ideal treatment providing both healing of duodenal ulcers and eradication of Helicobacter pylori has not yet been determined (CBS administered alone eradicates this organism in only 10 to 25 percent of cases), it will soon be possible to modify dramatically the natural course of duodenal ulcer disease and even to obtain its cure.

J Immunol, 1991 Mar 15, 146(6), 1874 - 9
Major component of Ra-reactive factor, a complement-activating bactericidal protein, in mouse serum; Ihara S et al.; A complement-activating bactericidal protein, Ra-reactive factor was isolated from mouse serum by an affinity method . The m.w . of the isolated RaRF estimated by glycerol density gradient sedimentation (around 300,000) was the same as that of the active material in mouse serum . As evidenced by gel filtration, the intact RaRF was decomposed into high (higher than 200,000) and low (50,000 to 200,000) m.w . components by treatment with 10% acetonitrile . SDS- and acid/urea-PAGE demonstrated that the high m.w . component was completely dissociated into equimolar quantities of two kinds of 28 kDa polypeptides, P28a and P28b, under reducing conditions, indicating that the association of these polypeptides was stabilized by disulfide bonds . The ability to bind specifically to the Ra determinant was retained in the high m.w . component, although the complement-activating potency was lost . The amino acid compositions of P28a and P28b polypeptides were compared with those of related serum proteins . The P28a and P28b polypeptides were found to have the highest homology to rat mannan-binding protein and mouse and human C1q subcomponent of complement.

Cancer Res, 1991 Mar 15, 51(6), 1651 - 8
Biological and clinical effects of intravenous tumor necrosis factor-alpha administered three times weekly; Schiller JH et al.; Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a cytokine with pleiotropic biological and antitumor effects in vitro and in mouse models . The immunological effects of the molecule as a single agent, however, have not been well studied clinically . We conducted a Phase I trial of TNF in 53 patients with advanced malignancies in order to determine the biological and clinical effects of TNF when administered as a 30-min i.v . infusion three times/week . Dose levels of TNF ranged from 5 to 275 micrograms/m2; doses of TNF were escalated between patient groups . The most common clinical toxicities of TNF consisted of rigors, anorexia, headache, and fatigue . Dose-limiting toxicity consisted of hypotension, fatigue, and nausea . Four patients treated at the maximally tolerated dose of 225 micrograms/m2 received dexamethasone to determine whether the toxicities of TNF could be ameliorated . No significant differences in hypotension or subjective symptomatology were observed in those patients receiving dexamethasone and those who did not or between injections in which dexamethasone was administered and when it was not . One patient with colorectal carcinoma treated with 50 micrograms/m2 had a partial response lasting about 9 months . Biological responses were evaluated in 8 patients treated at the maximally tolerated dose before therapy and 24 h afterward . TNF significantly (P less than 0.05 for all) enhanced serum beta 2-microglobulin, serum neopterin, and serum interleukin-2 receptor (Tac antigen) levels . Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity was also increased 24 h following the administration of TNF, although this increase was only of borderline statistical significance (P = 0.07) . TNF did not enhance granulocyte bactericidal activity . The expression of cell surface proteins on monocytes, including HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, beta 2-microglobulin, and the Fc receptor, and serum interleukin-1 activity also were not significantly increased by the administration of TNF . Thus, in humans TNF caused biological response modulation with evidence of HLA Class I (beta 2-microglobulin) increase and T-cell (Tac antigen) and monocyte (neopterin) activation.

J Biol Chem, 1991 Mar 5, 266(7), 4162 - 7
Conversion of pig pancreas phospholipase A2 by protein engineering into enzyme active against Escherichia coli treated with the bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein; Weiss J et al.; Phospholipases A2 (PLA-2) are conserved enzymes that can vary widely in their activity toward certain biological targets . Activity of PLA-2 toward Escherichia coli treated with the bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) of granulocytes has been detected only in "Group II" PLA-2 (lacking Cys11-Cys77) and correlates with overall basicity and the presence of a cluster of basic amino acids within a variable surface region near the NH2 terminus (including residues 6, 7, 10, 11, and 15) . We now show that of five pancreatic PLA-2 ("Group I" enzymes) tested from different species of mammals, the human enzyme that is most basic both globally (pI 8.7) and locally (Arg-6, Lys-7, and Lys-10) is active toward BPI-treated E . coli (approximately 1-2% activity of the most active Group II PLA-2) whereas the other four PLA-2 are essentially inactive (less than 0.1%) . The cDNA of the pig pancreatic PLA-2 (pI 6.4; Arg-6, Ser-7, Lys-10) has been modified by site-specific mutagenesis and the wild-type and mutant PLA-2 have been expressed in and purified from either E . coli or Saccharomyces cerevisiae to determine more precisely the structural determinants of PLA-2 activity toward BPI-treated E . coli . The single substitution of lysine (or arginine) for Ser-7 transformed the pig pancreatic PLA-2 into an active enzyme toward BPI-treated E . coli possessing 25-50% the activity of the human PLA-2 . Additional modifications to increase global basicity (increase in net charge up to +4) caused a further (up to 2-fold) increase in activity . All mutant PLA-2 still containing Ser-7 possessed little or no activity toward BPI-treated E . coli . Changes in activity toward BPI-treated E . coli were accompanied by parallel changes in enzyme binding to this target . In contrast, substitution of lysine (or arginine) for Ser-7 caused little or no alteration of enzyme activity toward either autoclaved E . coli or egg yolk lipoproteins indicating no major effects on the catalytic properties of the PLA-2 . This study demonstrates directly the role of NH2-terminal basic residues in the action of PLA-2 on BPI-treated E . coli and suggests that these properties mainly facilitate PLA-2 binding to this biological target.

Zentralbl Hyg Umweltmed, 1991 Mar, 191(2-3), 206 - 15
{The determination of the bacterial effectiveness of surface disinfectants using suspension tests}; Reybrouck G; The results of the testing of 38 preparations intended for surface disinfection are compared in order to evaluate the value of the suspension tests . The studied testing methods are: the in vitro test (IVT) with the disinfectant diluted in distilled water (AD), in standard hard water (WSH) and in 0.2% albumin; the European Suspension Test (EST) under clean and under dirty conditions; the French AFNOR test NF T 72-190; the practical test of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM); and the Quantitative Surface Disinfection Test (QSDT) . The suspension tests yield comparable results (Table 1) . These results correlate very well with these of the AFNOR test, to a lesser extent with those of the DGHM test and hardly with the results of the QSDT, which is the most real-life mimicking practical test (Table 2) . Suspension tests are not able to exclude only inactive preparations from further testing in practical tests: they are not specific (Tables 3 and 4) . Therefore, it is necessary to include practical tests in the testing schedule for the evaluation of the bactericidal activity of surface disinfectants.

J Trop Pediatr, 1991 Mar, 37(2), 67 - 70
Polymorphonuclear and monocyte functions in measles; Thatte UM et al.; The depression of immune responses during measles infection has been recognized since the early 20th century . Acute bacterial infections are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in measles . This study investigated the phagocytic and bactericidal or fungicidal capacities of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) and monocytes during measles infections . When 14 children with measles were compared with 25 healthy controls, a significant depression in PMN and monocyte function was found . Of these 14 children, seven developed acute bacterial infections . These seven children were compared with 11 children who had acute bacterial infections without measles . It was found that PMN in patients with measles did not achieve an activated state, as expected with acute infections . Serum immunoglobulins were not altered in these patients . These results confirm previous reports of depressed phagocytic and bactericial capacities of PMN in measles, and further document that peripheral blood monocyte functions are also depressed in measles.

J Med Microbiol, 1991 Mar, 34(3), 159 - 65
Serum sensitivity and lipopolysaccharide characteristics in Bordetella bronchiseptica, B . pertussis and B . parapertussis; Byrd DW et al.; The viability of four strains of Bordetella bronchiseptica, two strains of B . pertussis and one strain of B . parapertussis exposed to hyperimmune and pre-colostrum porcine serum was examined . Viable cell numbers (cfu/ml) of the B . pertussis strains and a rough strain of B . bronchiseptica (CSU-P-1) decreased by 99% and 99.99%, respectively, after exposure for 1 h to porcine hyperimmune serum . In contrast, smooth B . bronchiseptica strains and the B . parapertussis strain showed no significant decrease in viable cell numbers after the same treatment . B . bronchiseptica strain CSU-P-1 also showed a 99% decrease in viable cell numbers after exposure to pre-colostrum porcine serum for 1 h whereas the other strains tested showed no decrease in viable numbers under the same conditions . Heating the hyperimmune and pre-colostrum serum at 56 degrees C for 30 min resulted in the loss of bactericidal activity suggesting the involvement of complement in both systems . Analysis of silver-stained SDS-PAGE profiles of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extracted from the bacterial cells indicated that the smooth strains of B . bronchiseptica and the B . parapertussis strain possessed high mol . wt O-side chain-like material, whereas the B . pertussis strains and B . bronchiseptica strain CSU-P-1 did not . Gel filtration of acid-hydrolysed LPS samples indicated two distinct carbohydrate peaks for the strains with high mol . wt O-side chain-like material, whereas the other strains each yielded one distinct peak . Western-blot analysis indicated a positive reaction for anti-B . bronchiseptica antibodies to the high mol . wt O-side chain-like material of all serum-resistant strains used in this study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Radiobiologiia, 1991 Mar-Apr, 31(2), 216 - 21
{Biological activity of gamma-irradiated serum albumin}; Kopylov VA et al.; Gamma-irradiated serum albumin activated L-tyrosine oxidation to 3,4-dioxyphenyl alanine (DOPA) and forms adducts with DOPA oxidation products . These adducts are more resistant to proteolysis and have bactericidal and mutagenic capacity . A possible role of such adducts in a radiation damage to the organism is discussed.

J Pediatr, 1991 Mar, 118(3), 383 - 7
Use of recombinant human interferon gamma to enhance neutrophil chemotactic responses in Job syndrome of hyperimmunoglobulinemia E and recurrent infections; Jeppson JD et al.; Recombinant human interferon gamma enhances neutrophil respiratory burst and bactericidal activity in patients with chronic granulomatous disease . Mononuclear leukocytes of patients with the hyperimmunoglobulinemia E syndrome (Job syndrome) produce low or undetectable levels of this lymphokine . For these reasons we have restudied neutrophil chemotaxis in a group of our patients with the syndrome and determined the effect of recombinant human interferon gamma on the responses . Each of the patients had neutrophil chemotactic responses ranging from 22% to 55% of simultaneous control values (p less than 0.001) . After incubation with interferon gamma, a significant improvement in chemotactic responsiveness was observed in the neutrophils of each of the patients (mean 301% of baseline chemotaxis; p less than 0.008) . These data suggest the need for a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of interferon gamma in a larger group of patients with the syndrome of hyperimmunoglobulinemia E and recurrent infections.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1991 Mar, 35(3), 579 - 81
Effectiveness of clarithromycin and minocycline alone and in combination against experimental Mycobacterium leprae infection in mice; Ji B et al.; As determined by the proportional bactericide method, clarithromycin had strong bactericidal activity against Mycobacterium leprae . Clarithromycin was administered to mice by gavage as 20 daily doses at dosages of 12.5 to 50 mg/kg of body weight . At a dosage of 25 mg/kg, minocycline was more active than clarithromycin at a dosage of 50 mg/kg . Additive effects were displayed with the combination of clarithromycin (50 mg/kg) and minocycline (25 mg/kg), both of which were administered daily by gavage, and of clarithromycin and minocycline, both of which were administered daily by gavage at dosages of 25 mg/kg each, with rifampin at a single oral dose of 10 mg/kg.

Dent Cadmos, 1991 Feb 28, 59(3), 48 - 56
{Functional PMN defects in young periodontal patients}; Zucchelli G et al.; Peripheral blood polymorfonuclear leukocytes (PMN) are activated by the contact with opsonized bacteria . Metabolic activation of PMN is associated with a remarkable increase in the respiratory burst and generates high energy oxygen compounds which are responsible for the bactericidal activity of neutrophils and for their ability to produce luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) . The CL phenomenon is measured by an automated and computerized photoluminometer (Berthold LB950) in whole blood, stimulated with opsonized zymosan . This whole blood method of CL has been applied to the investigation of PMN functional defects in early-onset periodontopatic patients.

Kekkaku, 1991 Feb, 66(2), 75 - 9
{Some observations on the mechanism of bactericidal activity of Tween 80 on mycobacteria}; Tsukamura M; In 0.1% Tween 80 aqueous solution or in 0.1% Tween 80-containing saline (0.9% NaCl aqueous solution), Mycobacterium smegmatis strain Jucho bacteria were alive for 3 days, whereas, in 0.1% Tween 80-containing phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.1), the bacteria died rapidly . Since it was shown previously that M . smegmatis is one of the mycobacteria most susceptible to Tween 80 (Tsukamura, M.: Kekkaku 63: 695-699, 1988), the 0.1% Tween 80 aqueous solution or 0.1% Tween 80-containing saline may be used for suspending mycobacteria in order to prevent the clumping . Incorporation of 32P-ortho-phosphate to the nucleic acid fraction was most markedly inhibited by the presence of 0.5% Tween 80 in 0.067 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.1) . The finding shows that Tween 80 inhibits directly or indirectly the synthesis of nucleic acids . Tween 80 was not bactericidal in an aqueous solution but acted bactericidally in the co-existence of phosphate, and such bactericidal activity was completely diminished by adding an ammoniacal nitrogen compound (Tsukamura, M.: Medicine and Biology (Tokyo) 96: 159-161, 1978) . These findings suggest that Tween 80 does not simply act as a detergent but interferes with some metabolic way in the synthesis of nucleic acids.

Vet Immunol Immunopathol, 1991 Feb, 27(4), 393 - 402
Modulation of bovine mammary neutrophil function during the periparturient period following in vitro exposure to recombinant bovine interferon gamma; Sordillo LM et al.; Effects of recombinant bovine interferon (rBoIFN) gamma on mammary gland neutrophil activity during the periparturient period were studied . Bovine mammary gland neutrophils were isolated and incubated in mammary gland secretions obtained from Holstein-Friesian cattle during the last 2 weeks of gestation . Cell functions were evaluated following treatment with 10 U, 100 U, and 1000 U of rBoIFN-gamma . Bacterial phagocytosis, bactericidal activity and chemiluminescence were significantly lower for neutrophils incubated in mammary gland secretions when compared with control neutrophils incubated in Hank's balanced salt solution . Treatment of mammary neutrophils with rBoIFN-gamma reversed the suppressive effects of mammary secretions resulting in higher chemiluminescent activity and significantly more bacterial phagocytosis and bactericidal activity when compared with untreated controls . Results from these preliminary in vitro data suggest that rBoIFN-gamma therapy may modulate mammary gland neutrophil functions in vivo and possibly facilitate the rapid clearance of mastitis-causing pathogens mammary glands during the periparturient period.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1991 Feb, 35(2), 335 - 40
Novel quinolone resistance mutations of the Escherichia coli DNA gyrase A protein: enzymatic analysis of the mutant proteins; Hallett P et al.; Using the techniques of gap misrepair mutagenesis and site-directed mutagenesis, we have generated two novel quinolone resistance mutations of the Escherichia coli DNA gyrase A protein . DNA sequencing showed these mutations to be Ser-83----Ala and Gln-106----Arg . The mutant proteins were overproduced and purified, and their enzymatic properties were analyzed and compared with those of the wild-type enzyme . With ciprofloxacin and other quinolones, the inhibition of DNA supercoiling, relaxation, and decatenation and the induction of DNA cleavage were investigated for both wild-type and mutant enzymes . In each assay, the mutant enzymes were found to require approximately 10 times more drug to inhibit the reaction or induce cleavage than was the wild-type enzyme . However, the Ca2(+)-directed DNA cleavage reaction was indistinguishable for wild-type and mutant gyrases . We discuss models for the gyrase-mediated bactericidal effects of quinolone drugs.

Arch Surg, 1991 Feb, 126(2), 225 - 30
An adverse wound environment activates leukocytes prematurely; Moelleken BR et al.; This study was designed to evaluate the effect of different wound environments on wound activation . Our wound model provided two distinct environments, a well vascularized musculocutaneous flap and a poorly perfused random-pattern flap, in miniature swine . Leukocytes were isolated and analyzed by the following three variables: surface and total cellular Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18), superoxide anion expression, and lactoferrin release . Leukocytes from the unfavorable, poorly oxygenated wound environment activate on entry into the wound . Leukocytes from the musculocutaneous flap wound are better able to respond to a maximal challenge with the phorbol ester, phorbol myristate acetate . These findings may account for the enhanced bactericidal actions of the musculocutaneous flap compared with the random-pattern flap observed clinically.

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