Exp Hematol, 1986 Mar, 14(3), 207 - 14 5-Fluorouracil effect on cultured murine stem cell progeny and peripheral leukocytes; Donowitz GR et al.; Pretreatment of mice with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) depletes total marrow cellularity but leaves a residual population of cells with enhanced regenerative capability . Using the long-term Dexter liquid culture system, we studied the effects of 5-FU on murine marrow cells and their production of pluripotent stem cells (CFU-S) and monocyte-granulocyte precursors (CFU-C) . We also examined oxidative and bactericidal activity of neutrophil progeny of marrow cells in culture to determine the effect of 5-FU on effector cell activity . As an in vivo comparison, effector cell activity of neutrophils from peritoneal exudates of 5-FU treated animals was examined . C57B1/6J mice were treated with 5-FU, 100 mg/kg or 150 mg/kg, 4-7 days prior to marrow cell harvest and culture . Total cell counts, CFU-S, and CFU-C were all reduced compared with values from saline-treated controls . Over time, cell production from 5-FU marrow increased, reaching supranormal levels by 2-3 weeks of culture . The neutrophil progeny obtained from these marrow cultures showed normal reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium dye (NBT), but abnormally low chemiluminescence . In contrast, neutrophils from peritoneal exudate of 5-FU-treated animals showed normal chemiluminescence, but abnormally low reduction of NBT . Normal bactericidal activity was exhibited by both neutrophil progeny from marrow cultures and by neutrophils from peritoneal exudates of 5-FU-treated animals . The present data indicate that mouse marrow cells surviving 5-FU have an enhanced proliferative capacity in vitro and are capable of producing neutrophil progeny that, despite some abnormalities of oxidative function, have normal bactericidal capability. Jpn J Pharmacol, 1986 Mar, 40(3), 478 - 80 Effects of taurine on neutrophil function in hyperlipidemic rats; Masuda M et al.; In dietary hyperlipidemic rats, an increase in serum lipid level may cause an increase in membrane lipid level of the neutrophils, and phagocytosis and bactericidal capacity may be thereby lowered . Treatment with taurine (470 mg/kg/day, p.o.) strengthened the bactericidal capacity of neutrophils which was decreased by cholesterol diet feeding, as the capacity was stronger on the 40th day than that in animals fed laboratory chow . The results suggest that taurine may play an important role in the mechanism of host defense through the neutrophil function. J Neurol Sci, 1986 Mar, 73(1), 73 - 7 Neutrophil function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy; Karagol U et al.; Spontaneous migration, chemotactic and bactericidal activity and nitroblue-tetrazolium (NBT) reduction by neutrophils from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy were evaluated using quantitative techniques . Significant reductions in spontaneous migration and chemotaxis were found in the DMD group when compared with a control group of subjects . No significant differences were found in bactericidal activity or NBT reduction . The findings suggest that there is a defect in the contractile system or cell membrane function of neutrophils in DMD and that the genetic defect is expressed in leucocytes as well as other tissues. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1986 Mar, (3), 62 - 5 {Immunological status of monkeys during acclimatization and its correction with levamisole}; Voskanian NA et al.; The work presents the results of investigations, carried out in different monkey species, on the physiological norms as regards the bactericidal factors of neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the blood, nonenzymatic lysosomal cationic proteins and myeloperoxidase, as well as on changes in these characteristics in monkeys at different periods of their acclimatization at the Institute of Experimental Pathology and Therapy, Sukhumi . The possibility of correcting the characteristics under study by means of the immunostimulating agent levamisole is shown. J Neurol Sci, 1986 Mar, 73(1), 1 - 10 Granulocyte dysfunction and myotonic dystrophy; Friedenberg WR et al.; A 52-year-old Caucasian male with typical features of myotonic dystrophy (MD) developed a lung abscess and was found to have a mild atypical cyclic neutropenia . Granulocyte function testing revealed a defect in phagocytosis, bactericidal activity and chemotaxis . The defects were less severe at the nadir of the granulocyte counts . Skin windows demonstrated that the granulocyte defects were not just an in vitro artifact . The patient was treated with lithium carbonate and improved . Mobilization into a skin window and clinical MD were unchanged . Studies of his 10 children and 2 siblings, including granulocyte function tests and complete neurological evaluations were obtained . The 4 children with abnormal parameters of granulocyte function all had definite evidence of MD . Two children had equivocal findings of MD and the others were normal . There was minimal evidence of granulocyte dysfunction in these children . Twelve of 19 unrelated patients with MD had evidence of impaired granulocyte function with the most consistent defect being chemotaxis in response to bacterial factor . Mild granulocyte dysfunction is frequently associated with MD, but severe dysfunction with many defects is uncommon but can occur, as in this family . There was a tendency for the more severely afflicted members of this family to have more pronounced granulocyte dysfunction . Longitudinal testing in this family may determine any relationship between the granulocyte dysfunction and the onset of MD, as well as any correlation with the progression of the disorder . MD patients who develop infection should have granulocyte function tests as part of their evaluation. J Periodontol, 1986 Mar, 57(3), 172 - 5 Effects of the inorganic salts sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and magnesium sulfate upon the growth and motility of Treponema vincentii; Wolinsky LE et al.; The use of inorganic salt solutions as chemotherapeutic agents in the control of periodontal disease has received considerable attention in the past few years . Although some research has been published on their clinical effectiveness, little is known about their therapeutic activity and bactericidal effects upon oral spirochetes . The present study investigated the effects of varied concentrations of NaCl, NaHCO3, and MgSO4 upon the in vitro growth and motility of Treponema vincentii . Growth determinations were performed using a turbidiometric analysis at 545 nm . Motility was qualitatively studied by direct examination of 200 treponemes in a wet mount specimen . Samples were taken at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours following inoculation with the treponemes . Concentrations of 0.5 M NaCl, NaHCO3, or MgSO4 totally inhibited the growth and motility of T . vincentii over a 96-hour period . Salt concentrations less than or equal to 0.10 M had little if any effect upon growth and motility . The data support the hypothesis that the bactericidal and antimotility effects of these salts are related more to their concentrations than to the presence of a specific inorganic ion . They also suggest that motility may be a valid indicator of bacterial viability . Before the clinical significance of the results can be ascertained, human studies are needed to establish sulcular salt concentrations which can be achieved with local irrigation and to determine how long bactericidal concentrations can be maintained. Ann Surg, 1986 Mar, 203(3), 246 - 9 PMN superoxide radical production following a metabolic-endocrine simulation of trauma; Moon BC et al.; Serious infections following major trauma remain inexplicably high . Metabolic and endocrine changes after injury have been suggested as being responsible for many of the documented defects in the polymorphonucleocyte (PMN) . The in vitro bactericidal activity of normal human PMNs has been examined in this laboratory by assaying the activity of the PMN membrane bound enzyme NADPH oxidase and hence O2- production of the PMN in a metabolic/endocrine milieu designed to simulate moderately severe trauma . This was accomplished by incubating the PMN with physiological and trauma serum concentrations of insulin, glucose, cortisol, epinephrine, and glucagon . The results indicate that the O2- production of the PMN is significantly enhanced in this environment . It would appear that exogenous glucose alone was responsible for this enhanced O2- production. Infect Immun, 1986 Mar, 51(3), 942 - 7 Iron, siderophores, and the pursuit of virulence: independence of the aerobactin and enterochelin iron uptake systems in Escherichia coli; Williams PH et al.; Many strains of Escherichia coli isolated from extraintestinal infections of humans and domestic animals are able to synthesize two siderophores, aerobactin and enterochelin . Although aerobactin has a dramatically lower affinity for iron than enterochelin, it has been shown to provide a significant selective advantage for bacterial growth in conditions of iron limitation, such as in the body fluids and tissues of an infected animal . We have used streptonigrin, which is bactericidal in the presence of iron, as a probe to determine levels of free intracellular iron during bacterial growth promoted by the two siderophores . A strain with only enterochelin remained sensitive to the bactericidal action of streptonigrin, suggesting that assimilated iron was contributed to an intracellular pool from which the rate of its withdrawal for growth is probably concentration dependent . On the other hand, a strain that synthesized aerobactin alone became resistant to streptonigrin, indicating that iron complexed with aerobactin was not made accessible to streptonigrin and suggesting that it may be channeled directly to where it is required for growth . Aerobactin, probably because it is repeatedly reusable, efficiently stimulated bacterial growth at external concentrations some 500-fold lower than those of enterochelin . Moreover, the effective concentration, and thus the siderophore activity, of enterochelin but not of aerobactin was significantly reduced by the presence of human serum in the medium . Differential regulation of the genetic determinants of the two siderophores resulted in preferential induction of the aerobactin system in the presence of unsaturated levels of transferrin and lactoferrin. Am J Vet Res, 1986 Feb, 47(2), 429 - 32 Polymorphonuclear leukocyte function in cattle with left displaced abomasum with or without concurrent infections; Gyang EO et al.; Cattle submitted to the University of Minnesota for surgical correction of left displaced abomasum (LDA) were examined for the in vitro phagocytic and bactericidal activities of their polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) . The PMN from cattle with LDA with or without concurrent infection had depressed phagocytic function when compared with PMN from healthy animals (controls) . Those with concurrent infection had phagocytic activities lower than those in the group of cattle with LDA without any concurrent infection, and the former group was also observed to have depressed intracellular killing . Cattle with LDA complicated by infection were the only group in which phagocytic function was altered during surgical correction of LDA (and recovery) . Treatment of PMN from both groups of affected cattle with levamisole in vitro enhanced intracellular killing, but had no effect on phagocytosis. Br J Dermatol, 1986 Feb, 114(2), 251 - 4 Discoid lupus erythematosus-like lesions in an autosomal form of chronic granulomatous disease; Stalder JF et al.; Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is characterized by a bactericidal defect involving the oxidative metabolism of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PML) and is most often transmitted as an X-linked trait . The cutaneous features of this disorder include infections and lupus-like rashes . These have been described in female carriers as well as in males with the disease . Two cases of siblings presenting an autosomal form of CGD syndrome, with lupus-like cutaneous manifestations, are reported here. Infect Immun, 1986 Feb, 51(2), 373 - 7 Bactericidal effect of lactoferrin on Legionella pneumophila; Bortner CA et al.; Lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein found in mucosal secretions and in specific granules of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, has been shown to be bactericidal for a variety of organisms . In this study, the effect of lactoferrin on Legionella pneumophila was investigated . Purified human apolactoferrin was bactericidal for the Knoxville 1 strain (serogroup 1), with a 4-log decrease in viability within 2 h at 37 degrees C . Killing was dependent on the iron-free state since iron-saturated lactoferrin had no activity . Guinea pig passage of this strain did not affect its sensitivity to lactoferrin . Treatment of the cells with dilutions of the lactoferrin resulted in correspondingly reduced killing . Activity was temperature dependent; there was no loss of viability at 1 or 22 degrees C and slightly enhanced killing at 41 degrees C . Addition of Mg2+ blocked bactericidal activity . In addition, mature human milk, a lactoferrin-containing mucosal secretion, was also bactericidal for L . pneumophila . As demonstrated with the purified lactoferrin, bactericidal activity was lost when the milk was iron saturated. Eur J Clin Microbiol, 1986 Feb, 5(1), 79 - 87 Technical aspects and clinical correlations of the serum bactericidal test; Standiford HC et al.; A review of the studies using 50% human serum as a diluent for the serum bactericidal test has shown correlations with patient outcome . Human serum used as diluent of the patient's serum appears to be essential because of high protein binding of some antibiotics . An inoculum of 10(5)-10(6) bacteria/ml and a bactericidal criteria of 99.9% killing are technical aspects that have gained popularity . Careful timing of serum collection for the assay is important . Neither the macrotube nor microtiter techniques are entirely satisfactory . The latter method, however, has the advantage of being more reproducible than the macrotube method, less cumbersome and requiring less serum . Preliminary guidelines for performing and interpreting the test are provided . Future research should be directed toward making the microtiter technique more sensitive for identifying antibiotic tolerance, developing effective methods to eliminate the need for human serum as a diluent and obtaining more clinical correlations. Eur J Clin Microbiol, 1986 Feb, 5(1), 67 - 70 Value of the serum bactericidal test in management of patients with bacterial endocarditis; Mellors JW et al.; A review is given of the available clinical data on the prognostic value of the serum bactericidal test in the treatment of patients with bacterial endocarditis . It is concluded that the test, even when performed in a standardized manner, does not provide useful information for the majority of patients with bacterial endocarditis . Until further clinical data are available, routine performance of the test in patients with bacterial endocarditis is not recommended. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1986 Feb, 39(2), 294 - 303 Synergism of cephalosporins at subinhibitory concentrations and polymorphonuclear leukocytes on phagocytic killing of Escherichia coli and its mode of action; Watanabe Y et al.; The interactions between subinhibitory concentrations of cephalosporins and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the killing of a strain of Escherichia coli are described and an attempt is made to define the responsible mechanism . Ceftizoxime was the most potent agent tested . Pretreatment of the E . coli strain with subinhibitory concentrations of ceftizoxime increased the susceptibility to both; phagocytic killing activity of the polymorphonuclear leukocytes and bactericidal activities of the oxygen metabolites and the granule extracts . A most interesting result was the increased susceptibility of the ceftizoxime-treated E . coli to killing by beta-glucuronidase which normally is not bactericidal . It is suggested that the augmented killing could be due to bacteriolysis by beta-glucuronidase. Infect Immun, 1986 Feb, 51(2), 594 - 9 Environmental modulation of lipopolysaccharide chain length alters the sensitivity of Escherichia coli to the neutrophil bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein; Weiss J et al.; We have shown previously that the sensitivity of Escherichia coli to the neutrophil bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) depends mainly on the polysaccharide chain length of outer membrane lipopolysaccharides (LPS) (J . Weiss, S . Beckerdite-Quagliata, and P . Elsbach, J . Clin . Invest . 65:619-628, 1980) . Thus, rough strains of E . coli producing only short-chain LPS are more sensitive to BPI than smooth strains that produce LPS with varied chain lengths . We now show that changes in the bacterial growth environment can modify BPI sensitivity of smooth E . coli as much as 30-fold depending on the bacterial strain and the growth conditions examined . Changes in BPI sensitivity paralleled differences in binding affinity of E . coli for BPI and closely correlated with changes in the chain length of LPS produced under different growth conditions, as assessed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis . No concomitent changes in either the number of LPS molecules per cell or the bacterial protein profile were detected . Rough strains showed little or no growth-dependent variation in BPI sensitivity, further indicating that subtle alterations in bacterial constituents other than LPS do not significantly affect bacterial sensitivity to BPI . Thus, the BPI sensitivity of E . coli can be modulated not only by the genotypic conversion of the LPS phenotype, but also by environmental effects on LPS-polysaccharide formation in wild-type strains. Microb Pathog, 1986 Feb, 1(1), 15 - 32 The role of complement in inflammation during experimental pneumococcal meningitis; Tuomanen E et al.; The mechanism whereby an effective bactericidal inflammatory reaction develops in the subarachnoid space is not clearly defined . While normal cerebrospinal fluid is deficient in complement, immunoglobulin and leukocytes, these serum components appear in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during the course of bacterial meningitis . Using a rabbit model of pneumococcal meningitis we examined the role of the alternate complement pathway in three early events important to the defense of the subarachnoid space: leukocyte chemotaxis, phagocyte mediated bacterial killing, and clearance of bacterial components from the cerebrospinal fluid space . Rabbits treated with cobra venom factor to deplete complement were inoculated intracisternally with encapsulated (type II or XIX) pneumococci . Following complement depletion, there was a dramatic (at least 100-fold) decrease in the LD50 for these strains . Nevertheless, complement depletion did not affect the magnitude of CSF leucocytosis or the rate of clearance of bacterial particles from CSF . A short delay in the appearance of leukocytes in CSF was found in the absence of complement . The major effect of complement depletion, however, was to diminish the efficiency of leukocyte mediated killing of encapsulated bacteria in the CSF . Although the short delay in the onset of leukocytosis in the complement depleted animals is consistent with a chemotactic role of complement in the normal animal, the quantitatively normal leukocytosis in the complement depleted rabbits clearly indicates that important chemotaxins other than complement function in CSF . Inhibition of leukocytosis by indomethacin and diclofenac suggests that metabolite(s) of the arachidonic acid pathway may perform such a chemotactic role . A major role of complement in the defense of the subarachnoid space appears to be as an opsonin needed for the effective bactericidal activity of leukocytes . It is the lack of this function that best explains the greatly decreased LD50 value of encapsulated pneumococci in the complement depleted animal. Arch Surg, 1986 Feb, 121(2), 157 - 62 Trauma serum suppresses superoxide production by normal neutrophils; Lanser ME et al.; The effect of trauma serum on superoxide production by normal neutrophils was studied in 47 serum samples from 18 patients with multiple trauma . Ten patients became septic and eight patients remained nonseptic . Incubation in trauma serum significantly suppressed superoxide production by normal neutrophils compared with incubation in normal serum: 3.6 +/- 1.44 vs 4.04 +/- 1.64 nmole of superoxide produced by 10(6) neutrophils (mean +/- SD) . There was no difference in the suppressive effect between septic and nonseptic trauma serum samples . The chemiluminescence response of normal neutrophils was likewise suppressed following incubation in trauma serum compared with incubation in normal serum . The chemiluminescence response correlated with superoxide reduction of cytochrome C . In addition, the chemiluminescence response was significantly less in septic-trauma serum than in nonseptic-trauma serum . Suppressive serum was found to inhibit the neutrophil-membrane depolarization response to latex particles, as measured by flow cytometry . We conclude that trauma serum suppresses superoxide production by normal neutrophils, and that such suppression can be detected reliably using the clinically applicable technique of chemiluminescence . A normal chemiluminescence response excludes serum-mediated suppression of neutrophil superoxide production . In addition, chemiluminescence may be of value in detecting altered resistance to sepsis following injury, while superoxide determinations do not seem to be helpful in this regard . The mechanism of action of the suppressor may involve reversible inhibition of membrane depolarization necessary for the production of bactericidal oxygen species. J Immunol, 1986 Feb 1, 136(3), 963 - 70 Interferon-gamma induction by lipopolysaccharide: dependence on interleukin 2 and macrophages; Blanchard DK et al.; Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced fresh murine splenocytes to produce interferon (IFN)-alpha/beta presumably by stimulation of the B lymphocytes and macrophages . However, when the splenocytes were "aged" for 24 to 72 hr in culture before addition of the LPS, the IFN response was significantly increased and was determined to be predominantly IFN-gamma . Because low levels of interleukin 2 (IL 2) were found to be spontaneously produced by the unstimulated splenocytes during the "aging" process, the effect of IL 2 on IFN induction by LPS in fresh splenocytes was examined . The addition of LPS to freshly prepared splenocyte cultures that were treated with human IL 2, either native or recombinant, before exposure to the LPS resulted in the LPS inducing large amounts of IFN-gamma . IL 2 alone induced little if any IFN in the splenocyte cultures . Depletion of T cells and large granular lymphocytes (LGL) from the cultures by anti-Thy-1.2 antibodies plus complement abrogated IFN-gamma production, and the addition of polymyxin B to "aged" splenocyte cultures resulted in loss of IFN production in response to LPS . Cultures that were enriched for T cells and LGL by passage through nylon wool produced significant amounts of IFN-gamma in response to LPS only if first treated with IL 2 . Furthermore, the addition of splenic adherent cells to purified nylon wool-non-adherent (NWNA) cells augmented IFN-gamma production, whether or not the NWNA cells were pretreated with IL 2 . This enhancement appeared to require direct contact between adherent cells and NWNA cells, because physical separation abrogated IFN production . The addition of recombinant IL 1 or LPS-conditioned supernatants of macrophage cultures did not replace adherent cell activity . These data demonstrate that LPS, which predominantly induces IFN-alpha/beta in fresh murine splenocytes, is able to stimulate T lymphocytes to produce IFN-gamma if the T cells are first exposed to endogenously produced or exogenously applied IL 2 . Because IFN-gamma is a potent activator of the bactericidal and cytocidal potential of macrophages, the induction of IFN-gamma by bacterial LPS may play an important role in resistance/recovery mechanisms against bacterial infections. Immunol Lett, 1986 Jan, 12(1), 5 - 9 Modification of the neutrophil Fc receptor by neutrophil granule products: its significance for phagocytosis and bactericidal activity; Luciak M et al.; Preincubation of neutrophils with various amounts of autologous neutrophil granule products induced a dose-dependent decrease in neutrophil Fc receptor expression . However, neutrophil granule products did not affect the neutrophil phagocytic and bactericidal activities. Infect Immun, 1986 Jan, 51(1), 282 - 5 Bactericidal effect of normal swine sera on Treponema hyodysenteriae; Joens LA et al.; Treponema hyodysenteriae was incubated in 20% normal swine sera (NSS) at 37 degrees C for 4 h, and viability was determined by a plate dilution method . NSS was bactericidal for nonpathogenic T . innocens and avirulent T . hyodysenteriae, but not for virulent T . hyodysenteriae isolates . Heat inactivation at 56 degrees C for 30 min, treatment with EDTA or EGTA {ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N-tetraacetic acid}, or removal of immunoglobulin M eliminated the bactericidal activity of NSS . However, removal of the alternate complement pathway with 10 mg of bentonite per ml did not remove bactericidal activity of NSS . Incubation of virulent isolates of T . hyodysenteriae in the presence of specific antisera plus NSS resulted in bactericidal activity . These data suggest that complement and natural antibody may be involved in protecting the host from T . innocens or avirulent T . hyodysenteriae and that T . hyodysenteriae antibody plus complement are involved in protecting convalescent pigs from re-exposure to swine dysentery. J Pharmacol, 1986, 17 Suppl 1, 51 - 62 {Evaluation of the posology of antibiotics}; Carbon C et al.; The determination of the dose regimen of a new antibiotic is difficult because a dose/effect relationship cannot be established in patients with an infectious disease . The optimal dose is usually extrapolated from combined data provided by in vitro and in vivo microbiologic toxicologic and kinetic studies . Additional data ought to be produced in the future such as: kinetics of cidal effect in vitro, of the post antibiotic effect, of drug concentrations at the sit of infections itself, of the cidal serum activity in volunteers and patients; how these parameters are modified when modulating the mode of administration of the drug ought to be studied as well . The optimal dose, once it is roughly evaluated from classical studies, has to be adjusted: either by decreasing the dose, through an appropriate program of clinical trials with non-threatening life infections; or by increasing the dose in severe infections, through an in-depth analysis of new data available because of the improvement of: the design of clinical trials, the sensitivity of analytical techniques, the standardized serum bactericidal tests, the sophisticated monoparametric animal models simulating human infections, our knowledge of drugs mechanisms of toxicity . Establishing a rational dose regimen obviously requires a long-term multidisciplinary approach of the problem. Res Exp Med (Berl), 1986, 186(3), 209 - 14 Operative cholangiography with an antiseptic contrast solution . An experimental study in dogs; Orda R et al.; A new antiseptic contrast material, composed of sodium diatrizoate-meglumine diatrizoate and PVP-iodine solutions, was prepared and tested for operative cholangiography . It was tested in vitro, and in vivo in dogs and displayed satisfactory contrast radiologic features, and strong and rapid bactericidal action without detectable side effects . It seems to be promising in reducing the risk of bacterial spread during cholangiography. Int J Nucl Med Biol, 1986, 12(6), 453 - 6 The role of detergent in labeling of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bacteria; Gerlach GF et al.; The chelating agents oxine, acetylacetone, tropolone, and 2-mercaptopyridine 1-oxide were analysed for their suitability in labeling the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (E.r.), strain B10, with 111In and 67Ga . The labeling conditions were improved . The bactericidal activity of the labeling process was investigated . The different chelates did not result in a significant difference in labeling yield . The addition of 0.01% detergent to the labeling buffer doubled the labeling yield up to 45% . Labeled bacteria were injected intravenously into rats . The percentage organ distribution was determined and compared with a control group. Ann Inst Pasteur Microbiol, 1986 Jan-Feb, 137A(1), 45 - 53 Antimycobacterial spectrum of colistin (polymixin E); Rastogi N et al.; Minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal bactericidal concentrations of colistin (polymyxin E) were determined for the type strains of fifteen mycobacterial species . Colistin was found to be active against pathogenic species Mycobacterium xenopi, M . intracellulare, M . tuberculosis, M . fortuitum and also against the rapidly growing, non-pathogenic species M . phlei and M . smegmatis . The discriminatory potential of susceptibility to colistin as a test was investigated on 25 strains of the M . fortuitum/M . chelonei complex, and also on 11 strains of the M . avium/M . intracellulare complex . The experimental data indicated the potential of colistin susceptibility testing for discriminating M . fortuitum from M . chelonei. J Fr Ophtalmol, 1986, 9(8-9), 523 - 32 {Toward a rational strategy in the treatment of postoperative bacterial endophthalmia}; Salvanet-Bouccara A et al.; 18 cases of bacterial endophthalmitis are reported . From bacteriological, epidemiological, pharmacokinetic data, we can propose a management of infectious endophthalmitis based on the two following rules: systematic intraocular fluid aspiration, on emergency, for stained smears (as real bacteriological extemporaneous investigations) and cultures; initial wide spectrum antibiotherapy with a quick adaptation to gram stain and culture identification . The antibiotics are selected according to their intraocular penetration, safety and spectrum . The intraocular bactericidal concentration requires the association of systemic, peri-ocular, and intraocular antibiotherapy, before the settlement of irreversible retinal lesions . By vitrectomy, the infected vitreous may be cleared, and intraocular drugs diffuse more easily. Med Microbiol Immunol (Berl), 1986, 175(6), 341 - 53 Interaction of beta-lactam antibiotics with the bactericidal activity of leukocytes against Escherichia coli; Dalhoff A; The effect of beta-lactam antibiotics on phagocytosis and intracellular killing of four isogenic Escherichia coli strains differing in their 0- and K antigens was studied by adopting the rat polyvinyl-sponge model . The penicillins mezlocillin, ticarcillin and piperacillin rendered all four isogenic E . coli strains more susceptible to intraleukocyte killing; the cefalosporins tested exhibited inhomogenous effects; lamoxactam was marginally effective, whereas cefoxitin was completely ineffective; cefotaxime caused an increase in intracellular killing of the capsule-defective mutant only . The beta-lactam promoted increase in intracellular killing could be inhibited by alpha-methylmannoside but not by alpha-methylglucoside . Free-flow electrophoretic separation of mezlocillin-treated bacteria and guinea pig erythrocytes revealed that co-migration of E . coli and erythrocytes respectively could be inhibited by alpha-methylmannoside but not by alpha-methylglucoside . These data indicate that mezlocillin interferes with the mannose sensitive adhesins of E . coli. Kosm Biol Aviakosm Med, 1986 Jan-Feb, 20(1), 4 - 12 {Prospects for using ultraviolet radiation in protracted space flights}; Panferova NE; The data concerning UV-effects on the human body and the environment are reviewed as applied to long-term flights . It is concluded that UV-radiation can be used in long-term space flights in view of its vitamin-forming, desensitizing, bactericidal, and supporting properties to improve the environment and to prevent adverse effects of space flight factors. Eur J Immunol, 1986 Jan, 16(1), 7 - 11 An inherited deficiency of the third component of complement, C3, in guinea pigs; Burger R et al.; Hereditary deficiency of the third component of complement, C3, is found very seldom in the human . C3 deficiency is associated with severe bacterial infections revealing the central role of C3 in complement activation via the classical or alternative pathway . We describe a new hereditary C3 deficiency in strain 2 guinea pigs . Serum from these animals had a markedly reduced lytic activity in a standard assay for complement-dependent, antibody-mediated cytotoxicity . In functional assays of individual components, the hemolytic activity of the components C4, C2, C5 and of factors B, D and H was in the normal range . The functional C3 titer, and similarly C3 antigenic activity in the serum of these C3-deficient animals (C3D) was on average only 5.7% of normal activity . Typing the animals with alloantisera or monoclonal antibodies to guinea pig Ia-antigens revealed that the C3D animals had the major histocompatibility complex-haplotype of inbred strain 2 guinea pigs (B.1, Ia.2,4) . The C3 defect is not linked to the major histocompatibility complex and, in addition, is not linked to a C3a receptor deficiency . Macrophages and hepatocytes of the C3D animals have an unimpaired capacity for synthesis and secretion of C3 as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay . There was no indication for hypercatabolism of normal C3 by the animals as shown by plasma clearance of 125I-radiolabeled C3 . Thrombocytes of the C3D animals responded normally to stimulation with purified C3a in an ATP-release assay without an indication for a desensitization in vivo . Possibly the fault resides in an enhanced susceptibility of their own C3 to proteolysis . However, C3 partially purified from the plasma of the C3D animals or secreted by hepatocytes exhibited no obvious structural differences to purified normal C3 in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or in immunoblotting . The C3D serum had a reduced bactericidal activity compared to normal or to C4-deficient serum . Nevertheless, the animals are apparently healthy without an indication for increased frequency of bacterial infections . These guinea pigs provide an unique model for analysis of the biological functions of C3 in vivo and in vitro without the need for artificial C3-depletion procedures with all their known and unknown side-effects. Arch Surg, 1986 Jan, 121(1), 50 - 5 Effect of transfusion on immune function in a traumatized animal model; Waymack JP et al.; Blood transfusions repeatedly have been shown to prolong allograft survival, probably by stimulating suppressor T lymphocytes . The effects of transfusions on immune function in traumatized patients has not previously been investigated . We investigated the effects of transfusions on the immune system using a burned rat model . The transfusions were found to have no effect on the white blood cell counts, differential cell count, or neutrophil migration and bactericidal index . Those animals that received transfusion did exhibit impaired cell-mediated immunity and macrophage migration . Blood transfusions seem to increase further the immunosuppression seen with trauma and surgery. Infection, 1986, 14 Suppl 4, S250 - 3 Study of the cerebrospinal fluid penetrability of ofloxacin; Stubner G et al.; In patients with different neurological diseases with blood-brain barrier dysfunction subjected to diagnostic CSF-tap, simultaneous determinations of ofloxacin concentrations in serum and in CSF were carried out . The results show that ofloxacin penetrates well into the CSF achieving adequate bactericidal concentrations against most of the common causative pathogens of meningitis. Vox Sang, 1986, 51(4), 270 - 7 Opsonic and complement-dependent bactericidal activities of various immunoglobulin preparations for intravenous use; Yasuda H et al.; Some effector functions of various immunoglobulin (IgG) preparations have been compared . Tests for opsonic activity were performed in vitro with human peripheral blood leukocytes and in vivo with mice . The augmentation effects on luminol-dependent chemiluminescence were investigated with human leukocytes . The complement-dependent bactericidal activities were tested with Escherichia coli . Five IgG preparations: pH 4-treated preparation (IG-100), polyethyleneglycol-treated preparation (PEG-G), sulfonated preparation (S-G), pepsin-treated preparation (Pep-G) and a preparation for intramuscular use (GGN) were studied . The results were as follows: (1) IG-100 and PEG-G exhibited strong activities in all test systems; (2) GGN showed a strong opsonic activity; (3) S-G showed relatively weak activities in all test systems, but the revertant S-G preparation exhibited somewhat stronger activities in all systems, and (4) Pep-G showed weak or no activity in all systems . These results suggest that the IgG molecules in IG-100 and PEG-G preparations have satisfactory effector functions . On the other hand, IgG molecules in S-G and Pep-G preparation may have significant deficiencies in their biological functions. Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 1986, 86(2), 232 - 6 {Various indices of immunity in patients with alcoholic delirium}; Chemnyi AB et al.; Seventy-four patients with alcoholic delirium were studied for the parameters of the T- and B-system of immunity and natural resistance . The patients versus normal donors presented a statistically significant decrease in the number and proliferative activity of T-lymphocytes, an increase in IgA, as well as a reduction in levels of lysozyme, complement and bactericidal activity of the serum . The presence of immunological shifts after the completion of detoxifying therapy suggests that treatment should be continued even after the disappearance of psychic disturbances. Int J Immunopharmacol, 1986, 8(5), 487 - 98 Stimulatory effects of muramyl dipeptide and its butyl ester derivative on the proliferation and activation of macrophages in vitro; Schindler TE et al.; Muramyl dipeptide (MDP) and the butyl ester derivative, N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-glutamine-alpha-n-butyl ester (MDP{Gln}OnBu), were shown to induce the in vitro proliferation of oil-induced guinea pig peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) . Both agents induced 10-20 fold increases in tritiated thymidine incorporation in PEC cultures . The maximal effects occurred in 72 h cultures stimulated with either 0.1 microgram MDP or 10 micrograms MDP{Gln}OnBu . The mitogenic effects of MDP appeared to be mediated by a macrophage product detected in the supernatants of MDP-stimulated cultures . Supernatants of MDP- or MDP{Gln}OnBu-stimulated PEC cultures were also inhibitory to normal fibroblast growth and cytotoxic to L929 tumor cells . These results indicated that these agents may stimulate macrophages by modulating secretory functions . In addition, either peptidoglycan was capable of activating bactericidal activity in in vitro macrophage cultures . Initial studies of possible mechanisms of action revealed an early increase in the level of cyclic GMP . The possible role of cyclic GMP in mediating the stimulation of macrophage secretory processes is discussed. Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 1986, 29(5), 587 - 90 In vitro effect of fansimef on human neutrophil and monocyte function; Kharazmi A et al.; The effect of Fansimef, a recently registered triple combination of mefloquine, sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine (10:25:1) on human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear and mononuclear leucocyte function was studied . At clinically obtainable concentrations Fansimef had no effect on leucocyte viability, it did inhibit neutrophil chemiluminescence and it had no effect on other major functions, such as chemotaxis, NBT reduction, superoxide production, phagocytosis and the bactericidal activity of phagocytic cells. Acta Morphol Neerl Scand, 1986, 24(3), 223 - 34 Morphological effects of high dose neomycin sulphate on the small and large intestine; Van Leeuwen PA et al.; The morphology of the intestinal wall and the activity of certain mucosal enzyme systems in the course of neomycin treatment were evaluated . Conventional and, to study the role of the bacterial flora, germ-free rats received 500 mg neomycin daily by stomach tube . Rats were sacrificed after seven days and small intestine (proximal and distal part) together with segments of the colon were removed and prepared for histochemistry . The colon and proximal small intestine of untreated conventional and germ-free animals did not show appreciable differences in staining activity after treatment with neomycin . Neomycin diminished both in normal and germ-free rats the activity of NAD tetrazolium reductase, succinate dehydrogenase, esterase, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase in the distal small intestine . The findings of this study indicate that explanations for the beneficial effects of neomycin on hyperammonemia in liver disease should not only include the bactericidal action of neomycin but also its influence on absorption and metabolic functions of the mucosal cells. Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1986, 49, 140 - 5 Interaction between viral and bacterial infections in the respiratory tract; Degre M; Interactions between different infectious agents often modify the outcome of an infection, compared to the course of infections caused by only a single agent . Virus infection in the respiratory tract influences several host defense factors and thereby paves the way for subsequent bacterial superinfection . Combined viral-bacterial infection aggravates the clinical disease and the final effect can often be defined as synergistic . Besides local defense factors such as mucociliary flow and bactericidal activity, which are modified by general viral factors, or the immunological response, direct interaction between bacteria and cells is also modified in some systems . An effect can be mediated by regulatory substances like interferons. Folia Haematol Int Mag Klin Morphol Blutforsch, 1986, 113(4), 491 - 8 {The effect of the cell separation procedure on neutrophilic granulocyte function . II . Research on the bactericidal capacity and the NBT reduction ability of isolated granulocytes}; Lehmann R et al.; The investigations were aimed at examining the impact of methodically simple separating and enriching techniques for gaining granulocytes on the bactericidal capacity and NBT reduction in isolated granulocytes . For this purpose, granulocytes were gained by the technique of sedimentation and flotation . Granulocytes isolated by the cell separator Haemonetics model 30 were used as reference material . The findings of the investigations together with those of previous studies revealed no indication of the granulocyte function and morphology being damaged by the separating techniques used. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis, 1986, 9(2-3), 285 - 95 Clinical results obtained in cattle and swine by means of biological immunostimulators; Galassi D et al.; The conditioned infections due to opportunistic organisms, can be controlled by biological immunostimulators . The POLI-IF (Newcastle virus plus endotoxin of E . coli and Freund's incomplete adjuvant) rapidly induces the aspecific immunity . Given twice with 7-10 days interval in between, on occasion of a programmed stress (weaning, transport, crowding) it proved its efficacy in artificially suckled calves and in weaning piglets . The field trials, carried out on 2,782 treated calves in comparison with 2,909 untreated controls and on 4,387 piglets in comparison with 4,461 untreated controls, revealed statistically significant differences for P less than 0.005 among the groups of treated and control animals . The immunostimulator reduced the incidence of the disease, dead and discarded animals, as well as it shortened the mean duration of the disease in single heads . Though the way the POLI-IF acts is not perfectly known so far, yet it increases the serum bactericidal activity and the circulating leukocytes, while it induces high levels of IFN . In our opinion the activity of the POLI-IF is bound to 3 factors at least: activation of the complementary fractions, mobilization of the immunocompetent cells, induction of IFN. Vet Med Nauki, 1986, 23(7), 47 - 52 {Importance of humoral resistance factors in pig breeding}; Khristev KhG et al.; Studied was the age-associated dynamic of gamma globulins and of the bactericidal and lysozyme activity of the blood serum in 30 pigs on a swine-breeding complex . It was found that the bactericidal activity was well manifested in 1- to 3-day-old pigs: 58.2-67.5 per cent . In newborn pigs prior to sucking no bactericidal and lysozyme activity was found . By the tenth to 20th day the bactericidal activity sharply dropped, and later on it slowly rose . Lysozyme activity showed a rising trend from birth up to the 30th day . No gamma-globulins were found in newborns prior to sucking . Their level proved highest in 1- to 3-day-old pigs, and lowest-in 20-day-old ones . Digestive disorders up to the 5th day following birth prevented the utilization of gamma-globulins in colostrum 50 per cent and more. Int J Immunopharmacol, 1986, 8(7), 789 - 97 The effect of gliotoxin upon macrophage function; Eichner RD et al.; Gliotoxin, a metabolite of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, inhibited phagocytosis of particulate matter by rodent macrophages . In addition, adherence to plastic surfaces by peritoneal and alveolar rodent macrophages, human peripheral blood monocytes, mouse secondary fibroblasts and L929 cells was differentially inhibited by gliotoxin . Electron microscopy which confirmed the inhibition by gliotoxin of phagocytosis of carbon particles by rodent macrophages also revealed gliotoxin-induced morphological alterations . Gliotoxin selectively affected glucose metabolism and macromolecular synthesis of rodent-derived cells and inhibited the basal rate of H2O2 production by human polymorphonuclear neutrophils; bactericidal activity of resident peritoneal macrophages was also abrogated . These gliotoxin-induced changes in cell function and metabolism occurred at concentrations well below generalized toxic levels. Acta Microbiol Pol, 1986, 35(1-2), 15 - 27 Bacteriolytic effect of cessation of glucosamine supply, induced by specific inhibition of glucosamine-6-phosphate synthetase; Chmara H et al.; The antibiotic tetaine (bacilysin) and its C-terminal epoxyaminoacid--anticapsin--are powerful inhibitors of glucosamine-6-phosphate synthetase (EC 5.3.1.19.) in cell-free extracts of Escherichia coli K-12 . Tetaine acts on growing cells as a bactericidal agent . This bactericidal action, measured from 10 to 160 muM concentration, is a consequence of the induction of lysis of growing cells . The induction of lysis by tetaine is compared with the lytic action of some beta-lactams . Hypertonic medium, destruction of the antibiotic, presence of chloramphenicol or the addition of N-acetylglucosamine protect E . coli K-12 cells against lysis induced by tetaine . These effects are compared with those observed in the presence of penicillin G . The results indicate that inhibition of early or late stages of peptidoglycan synthesis all result in more or less the same consequence, i.e . death via cell lysis. Tubercle, 1985 Dec, 66(4), 261 - 6 The effect of lymphokines on the ability of macrophages to protect mycobacteria from a bactericidal antibiotic; Altes C et al.; Murine peritoneal macrophages protect Mycobacterium intracellular from amoxycillin added to the culture medium . This protective effect is enhanced by the addition of macrophage-activating lymphokines, although in the absence of amoxycillin these lymphokines cause macrophage-mediated inhibition of the organisms . Thus about 10 times more organisms survive exposure to 100 microgram/ml of amoxycillin for 3 days in the presence of lymphokine-activated macrophages than in their absence, whereas without amoxycillin the reverse is true . These findings suggest that in this in vitro system lymphokines cause stasis rather than kill of the organisms . The possibility that lymphokine-induced bacteriostasis protects mycobacteria from antibiotics in vivo is discussed. Am Rev Respir Dis, 1985 Dec, 132(6), 1278 - 80 Dynamic aspects of the in vitro chemotherapeutic activity of ansamycin (rifabutine) on mycobacterium intracellulare; Perumal VK et al.; The in vitro action of ansamycin against Mycobacterium intracellulare was studied using continuous, dynamic (a rapidly falling off concentration simulating that existing in vivo in humans), and pulsed exposures . Ansamycin at a concentration of 5 micrograms/ml showed bactericidal activity starting from as early as 3 days after constant exposure . In the dynamic model with the drug present in bactericidal concentration for only 2 h a day, bactericidal activity was demonstrated . With pulsed exposure, a minimal period of 72 to 96 h is necessary for effective inhibitory action. Chemioterapia, 1985 Dec, 4(6), 445 - 53 Ellipticines: correlation between in vitro DNA intercalation and physiological properties? Bertrand JR, Giacomoni PU. The in vitro DNA-intercalator ellipticine and five of its derivatives have been investigated for some of their physiological effects on several Escherichia coli strains . The highly water-soluble, quaternarized derivatives of ellipticine have no bactericidal effect and do not induce the synthesis of rec A protein . Ellipticine itself, as well as the derivatives obtained by adding an amino or an hydroxyl substituent in position 9, promotes the induction of rec A protein and is cytostatic on some bacterial strains . The non-intercalating brominated derivative is a strong bactericidal agent, which apparently promotes the lysis of the bacteria . At low concentrations, it slightly induces the synthesis of rec A protein . We conclude that there is no correlation at all between the physiological properties of the ellipticines and their physico-chemical behavior in vitro. J Dent Res, 1985 Dec, 64(12), 1371 - 3 Adsorption of antibiotic TA to dental hard tissues; Manor A et al.; Antibiotic TA (TA) is a wide-spectrum, bactericidal antibiotic produced by Myxococcus xanthus strain TA . It was previously demonstrated that TA binds tightly to soft tissues while retaining its bactericidal activity in the bound form . The present study was undertaken to investigate TA adsorption to dental hard tissues . Slabs of dental tissues that had been cut from periodontally-involved extracted human teeth were treated with TA and then washed in saline with shaking (saline being replaced every 15 minutes) . After 30, 60, and 120 minutes of washing, 45, 39, and 27% of the input TA activities were retained on the slabs, respectively . The tooth-bound TA was released slowly into the aqueous medium in active form . Similar experiments with beta-lactam antibiotics resulted in no significant adhesion to the slabs . The study demonstrates that TA binds tightly to dental tissues while retaining its bactericidal properties. HNO, 1985 Dec, 33(12), 545 - 7 {Cefotetan in the treatment of sinusitis--a kinetic study}; Schulte-Mattler K et al.; Recent clinical experience shows that in treating sinusitis by tetracyclines more and more cases appear which are resistant to therapy . Cephalosporins are suitable as alternative medical treatment because of their good bactericidal effect . The pharmacokinetic qualities of Cefotetan, a new cephamycin-antibiotic, in plasma and sinus mucosa were examined in treating 13 patients . After an intravenous bolus-injection of 2 g Cefotetan the mean initial plasma concentration was 275 mg/l . After 1, 2 and 6 hours the plasma levels were 160, 96 and 39 mg/l . The average concentration in sinus mucosa reached 42.3 mg/l, 30.9 mg/l, 29.4 mg/l and 33.6 mg/l after 10, 60, 120 and 180 minutes . The pharmacokinetic properties of Cefotetan promise successful clinical application in the treatment of bacterial sinusitis. Vestn Khir Im I I Grek, 1985 Dec, 135(12), 54 - 8 {Importance of the indices of immunity for predicting the course and assessing the effectiveness of the treatment in acute suppurative lactation mastitis}; Belokurov IuN et al.; The examination of 47 patients with acute purulent lactation mastitis and 14 patients with the resulting sepsis has shown a decreased level of nonspecific resistance factors . Generalization of the purulent process is characterized by disturbed humoral and cellular links of immunity . The dynamic research of immunity factors can give an estimation of the effectiveness of the chosen treatment and prognosis of possible complications . The general bactericidal activity of blood may be considered one of the most informative indices showing the direction of the process. Chemioterapia, 1985 Dec, 4(6), 463 - 6 Effects of a new quinoline derivative, ciprofloxacin, on some professional phagocytic cell functions; Delfino D et al.; This study reports the effects of ciprofloxacin on in vitro chemotactic, phagocytic and bactericidal activity of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes, human mononuclear cells differentiated in vitro and rat peritoneal macrophages . After in vitro preincubation with different concentrations of ciprofloxacin, acridine orange vital staining for phagocytosis and killing and the Boyden chamber for chemotaxis evaluation were used . Results obtained with different cell types showed no negative effects on the different functions tested, even at concentrations ranging from about 100 micrograms/ml. J Antimicrob Chemother, 1985 Dec, 16(6), 709 - 12 Comparison of agar dilution, microtitre broth dilution and tube macrodilution susceptibility testing of ciprofloxacin against several pathogens at two different inocula; Gombert ME et al.; The susceptibility of six different genera of organisms to ciprofloxacin was determined by the tube macrodilution, broth microdilution and the agar dilution methods.The minimal inhibitory concentrations of ciprofloxacin determined by the broth microdilution and the agar dilution methods correlated well with each other, but in general the tube macrodilution technique gave somewhat higher results . Raising the initial inoculum of the tested organisms from 1 X 10(5) to 1 X 10(7) cfu/ml did not result in a significant increase in the minimal inhibitory or bactericidal concentrations of ciprofloxacin. J Hosp Infect, 1985 Dec, 6(4), 413 - 8 Peri-incisional mezlocillin versus rectal-metronidazole for wound infection prophylaxis; Porteous C et al.; One hundred and forty patients who underwent appendicectomy were included in a prospective randomized trial to compare the ability of preoperative rectal metronidazole and peri-incisional mezlocillin to prevent wound infection following appendicectomy . The results show that bactericidal local tissue levels of mezlocillin were uniformly achieved using the peri-incisional technique . The wound infection rate for the metronidazole group was found to be 15.9% and did not significantly differ from the wound infection rate when mezlocillin was used (10.4%) . Peri-incisional mezlocillin therefore appears to be a viable prophylactic technique against wound infection following appendicectomy and may offer a cheaper alternative to intravenous intra-operative metronidazole administration in cases when pre-operative metronidazole suppositories have been omitted . The peri-incisional mezlocillin technique is also suitable for routine prophylaxis against wound infection following appendicectomy. J Embryol Exp Morphol, 1985 Dec, 90, 389 - 407 Isolation, characterization and localization of a lectin within the vitelline membrane of the hen's egg; Cook GM et al.; A lectin with an affinity for certain sulphated polysaccharides, such as fucoidin and dextran sulphate, has been isolated from the vitelline membrane of hens' eggs and purified to homogeneity as assessed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis . Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies have been raised to the lectin and used in indirect immunofluorescence microscopy to localize the agglutinin in the outer layer of the vitelline membrane, where the lectin persists prior to the breakdown of the vitelline membrane . The quantity of lectin extracted from the two layers of the membrane, which have been separated by the method of Bellairs, Harkness & Harkness (1963), correlated well with the results of immunofluorescence microscopy . Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the two layers of the membrane indicates that each layer has a distinctive polypeptide composition, the outer layer containing in particular lysozyme and avidin . The evidence obtained in this study indicates that the lectin is not involved in adhesion of the blastoderm to the vitelline membrane; neither is it involved in the expression of the blastoderm nor in maintaining the strength of the membrane . The possible roles in promoting transport of solutes across the membrane as well as providing bactericidal properties to the egg are discussed. Inflammation, 1985 Dec, 9(4), 375 - 87 Modulation of locomotor activity of polymorphonuclear cells by cationic substances and cationic lysosomal fractions from human neutrophils; Nitzan DW et al.; Seven cationic substances--human and egg-white lysozyme, RNase, protamine, histone, poly-L-lysine and poly-L-arginine; five cationic lysosomal fractions from human polymorphonuclears (PMNs); RNA; poly-L-glutamic acid; DNA; heparin; endotoxin; mastocytotropic agent compound 48/80; and cytochalasin B were tested for the influence on chemotaxis and random migration of human PMNs using under-agarose migration and Boyden chambers with two filters and {51Cr}PMNs . The above substances were either preincubated with PMNs, added to chemoattractants, or used instead of chemoattractants . In under-agarose migration method chemotaxis was inhibited by 11-35% when egg-white lysozyme, protamine, heparin, endotoxin, or compound 48/80 was added to the cells . High concentration of cytochalasin B inhibited chemotaxis by 73% . Cationic fractions I and V and low concentration of cytochalasin B enhanced chemotaxis by 11%, 41%, and 30%, respectively . When human and egg-white lysozyme, DNA, or cytochalasin B was added to the chemoattractants, motility of PMNs was inhibited . Cationic fractions II and V from human PMNs, when used as chemoattractants, enhanced cellular motility by 143-167% . Random migration was enhanced by heparin and inhibited by cytochalasin B and by cationic fractions from human PMNs . These findings suggest that various cationic and anionic substances and cationic fractions from human PMNs have heterogeneous influence on random migration and chemotactic activity of human PMN . Analysis relating chemotaxis to phagocytosis and to intracellular bactericidal activity (ICBA) has shown several patterns . Protamine, poly-L-lysine, poly-L-arginine, and agent compound 40/80 all inhibit chemotaxis and enhance phagocytosis and ICBA; cationic fractions II and V enhanced all three functions, whereas cytochalasin B suppressed phagocytosis and ICBA and had concentration-dependent modulatory influence on chemotaxis . It implies diverse mechanisms of action and possible impact on inflammatory reactions. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol, 1985 Nov, 7(11), 585 - 7 Innate bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity of normally sterile human body fluids; Brodersen A et al.; Forty-four cerebrospinal fluids and 14 pleural fluids were tested for innate bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against six pathogens . Innate activity was demonstrated in only two cerebrospinal and two pleural fluids . Serum static and cidal activity was demonstrated in four specimens from patients with negative fluid activity . The conclusion is that innate static and cidal activity in serum is not usually present in cerebrospinal and pleural fluid. Eur J Pediatr, 1985 Nov, 144(4), 301 - 5 Generalised glucosephosphate isomerase (GPI) deficiency causing haemolytic anaemia, neuromuscular symptoms and impairment of granulocytic function: a new syndrome due to a new stable GPI variant with diminished specific activity (GPI Homburg); Schroter W et al.; A new glucosephosphate isomerase (GPI) variant is described which is characterised by very low specific activity in erythrocytes, granulocytes and muscle tissue, nearly normal stability, normal kinetic properties and a decreased electrophoretic mobility . The propositus suffers from a complex syndrome involving erythrocytes (congenital haemolytic anaemia), granulocytes (decreased production of superoxide anion and reduced bactericidal activity in vitro) and the neuromuscular system (myopathy, mental retardation) . It is suggested that the clinical syndrome results from generalised GPI deficiency due to a decreased specific activity of the variant enzyme, which cannot be compensated by an increase of de-novo synthesis of GPI protein even in cells exhibiting active protein synthesis such as granulocytes and muscle cells. J Clin Microbiol, 1985 Nov, 22(5), 863 - 4 Serum bactericidal activity against Legionella pneumophila; Plouffe JF et al.; Two strains of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (UH1 and RH1) were incubated in fresh human serum . The UH1 strain was serum resistant, whereas the RH1 strain was serum susceptible . The bactericidal activity of fresh serum was abrogated by heating . Serum resistance of L . pneumophila strains may correlate with increased virulence. Z Lebensm Unters Forsch, 1985 Nov, 181(5), 422 - 6 {Reduction of the transfer of surface active agent residues in food}; Helmschrott D et al.; Surfactants used for cleaning and disinfection in food production and food processing can form residue on treated materials . Upon sequential contact of these materials with foods these foods may become contaminated . Different materials (steel, acrylonitrile rubber, polypropylene, polyamide, methyl methacrylate) were treated with aqueous solutions of dodecyl-trimethyl-ammoniumchloride, a bactericidal quaternary ammonium compound, and stearyl alcohol oxethylate, a nonionic surfactant . The adhering amounts of surfactants were measured by a radio tracer technique . It was analysed, how much of the adhering surfactants could be removed with water depending on rinsing time, water temperature, flow velocity, and number of rinsing cycles . It has furthermore been determined to what extent adhering surfactants are rinsed off by milk and juice. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 1985 Nov, 10(2), 165 - 70 Phagocytic activity and bactericidal capacity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in children with recurrent otitis media; Lalchev S et al.; In 19 children with recurrent otitis media the phagocytic activity of blood granulocytes was studied and indirectly also their bactericidal capacity by means of the NBT test and myeloperoxidase activity . The mean value of granulocytes containing latex particles was 44.32% in the patients group, which differed significantly from the mean value established in controls: 66.54% . The mean phagocytic number in the patients group, 1.82 was also significantly diminished in comparison to controls: 2.41 . The average number of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT)-positive cells in patients, 86.74% as well the mean myeloperoxidase index, 2.52 did not differ from the mean control values, 92% and 2.42, respectively . In two patients a lower percentage of NBT-positive cells was determined . They are probably heterozygous carriers of an enzyme deficiency related to a depressed bactericidal activity of phagocytes . Patients with recurrent otitis media should be tested on possible phagocytic dysfunctions which may be helpful in understanding the pathogenesis of infections and also in identifying infants at particular risk of otitis media. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd, 1985 Nov, 133(11), 913 - 7 {Function of breast milk macrophages}; Speer CP et al.; Human milk is a suspension of viable cells . Macrophages are the most abundant cells, comprising 40-80% of the total cell count . The present study was initiated to examine the principal cell functions of phagocytic milk macrophages: adherence, chemotaxis and phagocytosis-associated bactericidal oxidative metabolism . Adherence of milk macrophages to nylon wool was significantly decreased when compared with blood monocytes . In addition chemotaxis of macrophages in response to C 5a or a synthetic chemotactic peptide was also decreased . However, macrophages produced oxygen intermediates (O2-), H2O2) to a similar extent as blood monocytes after stimulation of the "oxidative burst" with phorbol myristate acetate or opsonized Candida particles . Macrophages cultured in vitro in endotoxin-free medium without serum lost the ability to produce oxygen metabolites over the course of a few days . Partial restoration of the oxygen radical production could be detected in macrophages exposed to bacterial lipopolysaccharide, i.e . endotoxin (LPS, 10 ng/ml) . Endotoxin, which is present in the gut even of newborns might provide enough stimulation to maintain macrophages in the "primed" state . We conclude that oxygen metabolites released from milk macrophages are highly reactive and could contribute essentially to the protection of neonates against microbial infections. Anasth Intensivther Notfallmed, 1985 Oct, 20(5), 277 - 81 {Principles of the prevention of pneumonia by the intratracheal instillation of aminoglycoside antibiotics}; Rommelsheim K et al.; In long-term respiration the descension of the pharyngeal contents into the tracheobronchial system appears as unavoidable as the colonisation of the oropharynx with pathogens . On the other hand, elimination of the descended pathogens from the trachea and the bronchi by setting up an antibiotic barrier represented by the aminoglycoside antibiotics, can prevent colonisation of the lower respiratory passages . As a matter of fact, the aminoglycoside antibiotics exercise, first of all, rapid and bactericidal action, and secondly a spectrum of pathogens . Intratracheal application of 4 X 40 mg tobramycin daily, distributed over 24 hours, leads in the case of persons with healthy kidneys to serum levels between 0.4 and 0.7 micrograms/ml . Side effects are mainly seen in patients with restricted renal function in the form of cumulative serum concentrations . At present there are no alternative possibilities of prophylaxis against the sequels of descension. Vet Q, 1985 Oct, 7(4), 277 - 82 Lactic acid as a decontaminant in slaughter and processing procedures; Snijders JM et al.; An attempt was made to interrelate the data obtained in experiments conducted by our Department along beef, veal and pig slaughter lines, using lactic acid (LA) for the decontamination of carcasses, cold and hot boned primal cuts, slaughter byproducts, and butcher's knives . First and foremost it was observed, that provided Good Manufacturing Practices are strictly followed, the microbial load of carcass surfaces will be substantially reduced . LA-decontamination may result in an additional reduction . Since in the early post-mortem period bacteria are not yet attached to the meat surface, LA-decontamination should preferably be applied to the hot carcass . It was demonstrated that, dependent on mode and duration of application, LA sprays not exceeding 1% v/v (beef), 1.25% v/v (veal) and 1.5% v/v (pork) resulted in acceptable carcass colour scores . Blood spots, which are particularly prone to discolouration by lactic acid application, should be removed at an early post-mortem stage e.g . by strong showering . The difference in surface pH between LA-treated and control carcasses disappeared within 72 hours post-mortem . Veal longissimus chops treated with LA solutions up to 2% v/v were not identified by a consumer taste panel as significantly different from controls . The 'immediate' bactericidal effect of LA-decontamination for beef, veal and pig carcasses, as well as for pig liver and veal brain, amounted to approximately 1.5 log cycles for the aerobic colony counts, strongly dependent on substrate and conditions of decontamination . In addition, a 'delayed' bacteriostatic effect was observed during storage, which is probably the result of a prolonged lag phase of acid-injured micro-organisms surviving lactic acid decontamination.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Eur J Clin Microbiol, 1985 Oct, 4(5), 493 - 7 Effect of chlorhexidine and acetic acid on phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leucocytes; van Saene JJ et al.; The effect of two disinfectants, chlorhexidine and acetic acid, on host leucocytes and bacteria was studied . At a concentration of 50 mg/l, chlorhexidine was found to be bactericidal without interfering with leucocyte function . A concentration of 500 mg/l of acetic acid was neither leucotoxic nor bactericidal . Effects equivalent to the aforementioned were achieved in serum by increasing the chlorhexidine concentration by a factor of 20 and the acetic acid concentration by a factor of 5 . Acetic acid reduced leucocyte function more rapidly than it killed bacteria . On the basis of these findings, chlorhexidine is to be preferred for local application in burn wounds to prevent colonisation and infection. Indian J Lepr, 1985 Oct-Dec, 57(4), 780 - 9 Computerized mathematical model of M . leprae population dynamics during multiple drug therapy; Almeida JG et al.; A computerized mathematical model of M . leprae populations during multiple drug therapy (MDT) was constructed . Relevant published information available to date was fed into it, and reasoned assumptions were made . From the model, it seems likely that MDT steadily selects bacteria resistant to the most powerful of the three drugs used: unless the individual bactericidal potencies of the drugs balance one another . If the drugs used have differing potencies, cure probably hinges on treatment being continued until all metabolically active bacteria are killed . Withdrawal of treatment before that could lead to relapse with bacteria resistant to the most powerful of the drugs used. Pathol Biol (Paris), 1985 Oct, 33(8), 843 - 6 {In vitro activity of Septivon-Lavril toward mycoplasma pathogenic to humans}; Bonissol C et al.; Septivon-Lavril is bactericidal in vitro towards species of mycoplasmas responsible for vaginal infections and their complications (U . urealyticum and M . hominis) and for the Stevens-Johnson syndrome (M . pneumoniae) . As the active doses are inferior to those recommended for external use, this product, Trichlorocarbanilide, presents a clinical interest. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol, 1985 Sep 30, 80(3), 446 - 56 Evaluation of host resistance and immune function in cadmium-exposed mice; Thomas PT et al.; Adult female B6C3F1 mice received distilled water only or water containing 10, 50, or 250 ppm of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) for 90 days . Body weights were measured weekly . On selected days during exposure and on Day 91, Cd tissue concentrations were measured along with changes in primary antibody responses . On Day 91 mice also received a primary challenge with various infectious agents . T- and B-cell mitogenesis, natural killer (NK) cell function, delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) as well as macrophage bactericidal activity, and phagocytosis were measured . There was no change in body weight gain, organ weights, or in humoral immunity during treatment even though cadmium had accumulated in significant quantities in the tissues . Compared with controls, exposure to cadmium had no statistically significant effect on mortality and mean survival time following primary or secondary challenge with any of the infectious agents . However, there was a dose-related, increased susceptibility to Herpes simplex type 2 virus . T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation was significantly reduced, and macrophage phagocytosis was significantly increased following cadmium exposure . NK cell activity was augmented, but not significantly . Macrophage bactericidal activity and DTH were not significantly altered. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, 1985 Sep-Oct, 9(5), 559 - 65 The Henry M . Vars Award . The effect of lipid emulsions on reticuloendothelial system function in the injured animal; Hamawy KJ et al.; Use of intravenous lipid emulsions in trauma and sepsis still remains controversial . In order to examine the impact lipid emulsions have on host defense against bacterial infection during total parenteral nutrition (TPN), 56 male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent jugular cannulation and were randomly divided into three groups, each receiving one of three TPN regimens . All regimens delivered approximately 250 kcal/kg X body weight/day, of which 12.5 g were as amino acids . Group 1 received 100% of the nonprotein calories as glucose (AA + G) . Group 2 was given 50% of the nonprotein calories as a longchain triglyceride emulsion (100% LCT) . Group 3 received 50% of nonprotein calories as a mixed lipid system, composed of medium- and long-chain triglycerides (75% MCT/25% LCT) . After 24 hr on intravenous nutrition, all animals received bilateral septic femur fractures and were continued on TPN for 3 days . On the last day, the level of bacteremia and the in vivo response to an intravenous challenge of 59Fe-labeled Escherichia coli were examined . Three days following the septic injury, animals given MCT as part of their lipid calories were not bacteremic, whereas the other groups had greater than 10(2) cfu/ml of blood . Animals receiving TPN with MCT sequestered a greater percentage of exogenously administered bacteria in the liver and sequestered less in the lung compared to animals given 100% LCT (p less than 0.05) . From these data, we conclude that parenteral nutrition formulas where LCT has been partially replaced with MCT may better support host bactericidal capacity than similar regimens comprised of LCT as the sole lipid source. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1985 Sep, 28(3), 389 - 92 Efficacy of cefmenoxime in experimental Escherichia coli bacteremia and meningitis; Kim KS; Cefmenoxime, a new semisynthetic cephalosporin structurally similar to cefotaxime, was evaluated for its activities in vitro and in vivo against a K1 Escherichia coli strain in comparison with activities of cefotaxime and ampicillin . In vitro the MICs and MBCs of both cefmenoxime and cefotaxime were the same, 1/16th and 1/32nd those of ampicillin, respectively . The efficacies of cefmenoxime and cefotaxime against experimentally induced E . coli bacteremia and meningitis in newborn rats were similar and significantly better than that of ampicillin as judged by bactericidal titers of blood and cerebrospinal fluid, rapidity of clearance of bacteria from blood and cerebrospinal fluid, and incidence of meningitis in animals with bacteremias . The efficacy of cefmenoxime or cefotaxime measured by impact on mortality was influenced by the size of bacterial populations . The mortality was significantly greater in rats with bacterial counts before therapy of greater than or equal to 10(6) CFU/ml of blood than in animals with lower counts . Overall, the in vivo efficacy of cefmenoxime was similar to that of cefotaxime; thus it could be useful in the therapy of neonatal E . coli infection. J Am Acad Dermatol, 1985 Sep, 13(3), 444 - 9 Isolation and characterization of the Lyme disease spirochete from the skin of patients with erythema chronicum migrans; Berger BW et al.; The Lyme disease spirochete, which had previously been isolated with difficulty from human skin lesions of erythema chronicum migrans of Lyme disease, was grown from six of fourteen skin biopsies cultured in a newly modified Kelly's medium . In two instances the Lyme disease spirochetes that were grown were also seen in histopathologic sections . Organisms grew in clumps in liquid culture medium . All six isolates reacted with a monoclonal antibody to a 31,000-dalton outer membrane protein . Only three of six reacted to a monoclonal antibody to a 34,000-dalton outer membrane protein, suggesting that different subtypes of this organism may infect man . Penicillin, erythromycin, and minocycline were bactericidal agents to all six spirochetes . These in vitro findings may be helpful in determining specific antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease, which was previously based primarily on clinical observations. J Antimicrob Chemother, 1985 Sep, 16(3), 287 - 96 Inhibition of penicillin-binding protein 3 of Escherichia coli K-12 . Effects upon growth, viability and outer membrane barrier function; Curtis NA et al.; A temperature-conditional, cell-division mutant of Escherichia coli K-12 possessing a thermolabile penicillin-binding protein (PBP) 3 was isolated . The mutant phenotype was due to a lesion in the pbpB gene . This mutant, and leu+ pbpB co-transductants of E . coli C600 grew as rods at 30 degrees C but were converted to filaments at 42 degrees C upon denaturation of PBP3 and concomitant cessation of cell division . These strains have been used to study the consequences of the specific inhibition of PBP3 of E . coli K-12 upon growth, viability and outer membrane integrity . Our results indicate that the singular inhibition of PBP3 is bactericidal in E . coli K-12, even though the turbidimetric response of the bacteria in broth culture suggests bacteriostasis . Furthermore, filament formation is accompanied by disruption of outer membrane barrier function, as witnessed by the rapid leakage of periplasmic beta-lactamase . This latter finding was confirmed by observing the lytic effect of a sub-inhibitory concentration of cefsulodin on filaments of E . coli K-12 induced by PBP3-specific beta-lactams . The impact of these results upon the testing of beta-lactam sensitivity of E . coli K-12 is discussed. J Exp Med, 1985 Sep 1, 162(3), 877 - 89 IgG bearing covalently bound C3b has enhanced bactericidal activity for Escherichia coli 0111; Joiner KA et al.; The mechanism was sought by which bactericidal IgG for E . coli 0111 (strain 12015) increases the bactericidal efficiency of C5b-9 . IgG did not affect the distribution of C3 deposition on the O-Ag capsule and the outer membrane of 12015, suggesting that bactericidal IgG was not directing complement activation to different sites on the bacterial surface . However, one-fifth of the C3 that was deposited in the presence of IgG attached covalently to the antibody molecule . Covalent complexes between purified C3b and IgG were prepared in order to study the role of C3b-IgG in the bactericidal reaction . 8-10-fold less C3b-IgG than IgG was necessary to sensitize 12015 for serum killing . When aggregates were eliminated from the C3b-IgG and IgG preparations by sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation, C3b-IgG remained three- to fourfold more effective than IgG on a molecule-for-molecule bound basis in mediating the serum bactericidal reaction . These results suggest that formation of C3b-IgG during the serum bactericidal reaction is critical for killing, and have important implications for the development of effective bactericidal vaccines. J Immunol, 1985 Sep, 135(3), 2074 - 83 Mechanism of priming of human neutrophils by a soluble lymphoblastoid cell factor; Cross AS et al.; Treatment of human neutrophils (PMN) with a cytokine-like factor in the supernatants of human lymphoblastoid cells (Raji) increased the random mobility and enhanced the migration of treated cells in response to other chemoattractants nearly 21/2-fold, although the supernatant itself was not a chemoattractant . Supernatant treatment also increased the adherence of bacteria threefold and the bacterial killing fourfold compared with PMN treated with control media . In examining the metabolic basis for the enhanced bactericidal ability, we observed a significant increase in spontaneous hexose monophosphate shunt activity of Raji cell supernatant (RS)-treated neutrophils even in the absence of additional stimuli . RS-treated PMN also had significantly enhanced production of superoxide anion and chemiluminescence response upon subsequent stimulation with a variety of soluble and particulate stimuli . Unlike other agents that prime neutrophil activation, however, the factor(s) in RS did not cause degranulation . It also differed in its ability to progressively enhance PMN functions with a longer period of preincubation (up to 3 hr) . These data suggest that the RS factor(s) primes neutrophils by a unique mechanism . The neutrophil-enhancing activities of RS, which are the opposite of those activities described for leukocyte inhibitory factor, eluted off a Sephacryl S-200 column at approximately 30,000 m.w . This factor expands the relationship between neutrophils and lymphocytes, and may be a useful agent to provide valuable insights into the mechanism of respiratory burst activation and regulation. J Antimicrob Chemother, 1985 Aug, 16(2), 243 - 51 Effect of phenoxymethylpenicillin and erythromycin prophylaxis on anaerobic bacteraemia after oral surgery; Josefsson K et al.; The effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on bacteraemia was assessed in 60 oral surgery operations . Fifty-one patients were divided in three groups receiving a 2 g dose of phenoxymethylpenicillin, a 0.5 g dose of erythromycin or no prophylaxis . During operation, the total numbers of bacteria were lower in the antibiotic groups than in the non-treatment groups (P less than 0.05) . The number of patients with anaerobic bacteraemias, however, were similar in all three groups . The incidences of bacteraemia 10 min after operation were significantly lower in the antibiotic groups (P less than 0.05) . The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of phenoxymethylpenicillin were below 2 mg/l in 93% of the strains and the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were below this value in 80% of the strains . The MICs of erythromycin were below 2 mg/l in 80% of the isolates, and the MBCs were between 4-32 mg/l in 62% of the isolates. Mol Gen Mikrobiol Virusol, 1985 Aug, (8), 29 - 31 {Structural separation of the functional loci of bacteriophage T4 short fibrillae}; Kurits TS et al.; Short-tail fibers (STF) of bacteriophage T4 are a polyfunctional protein . STF appears to be a trimer of gene 12 product . The modified trimers, consisting of fragments of gene 12 product with mol mass 45 and 50 Kd, respectively, were isolated by limited proteolysis with trypsin and papain . The isolated trimers retained their bactericidal activity but were unable to complement the fiberless phage particles . The results obtained suggest that STF loci responsible for bactericidal effect are separated from the loci involved in interaction with the base plate. Q J Med, 1985 Aug, 56(220), 431 - 7 Serum bactericidal and opsonic activities in patients with non-alcoholic cirrhosis; Akalin HE et al.; The increased susceptibility to infection suggests that patients with cirrhosis have abnormalities in host defense mechanisms . In the present study, serum bactericidal and opsonic activity were evaluated in patients with non-alcoholic cirrhosis . Seven (28 per cent) of 25 patients had diminished bactericidal activity and 14 (61 per cent) of 23 were found to have reduced opsonic activity . Serum C3, C4, and CH50 concentrations were significantly low in patients with diminished bactericidal activity . There was a strong correlation between complement levels and bactericidal activity . Deficient bactericidal and opsonic activities may explain the increased susceptibility to infections in patients with cirrhosis. Infect Immun, 1985 Aug, 49(2), 365 - 70 Antibodies to O-antigen of lipopolysaccharide are protective against neonatal infection with Escherichia coli K1; Pluschke G et al.; Monoclonal IgM specific for the O18 antigen conferred passive protection to 1-week-old rats against bacteremia and killing after oral challenge with O18:K1 Escherichia coli . Specific protection of the pups was also achieved by immunizing the pregnant rats with purified O18 lipopolysaccharide . We suppose that most human newborns that are colonized by potentially invasive K1 E . coli are protected by the transplacental transfer of anti-lipopolysaccharide immunoglobulin G, and we suggest that treatment with such antibodies might in the future be considered a therapeutic option . Rat serum from 1-week-old animals had only about one-third of the complement hemolytic activity of adult rat serum . This low level of hemolytic activity correlated with a relatively poor bactericidal activity in antibody-dependent and antibody-independent bactericidal in vitro assays . Monoclonal anti-O18 immunoglobulin M, although protective in vivo and bactericidal when added to adult rat serum, only poorly inhibited the multiplication of O18:K1 cells in serum from 1-week-old rats . This suggests that other elements of host defense besides complement participate in antibody-mediated in vivo protection. Biochem J, 1985 Jul 15, 229(2), 453 - 8 Ionophore activity of sarcotoxin I, a bactericidal protein of Sarcophaga peregrina; Okada M et al.; When Escherichia coli was treated with sarcotoxin I, a potent bactericidal protein of Sarcophaga peregrina (fleshfly), K+ inside of the cells leaked out rapidly and the ATP pool of the cells rapidly decreased . These results suggested that the bactericidal effect of sarcotoxin I was due to its ionophore activity, and that it blocked the generation of ATP by inhibiting formation of the proton gradient essential for oxidative phosphorylation . This was confirmed by use of an uncA mutant, which was much less susceptible than the wild-type strain to sarcotoxin I under fixed ionic conditions. Ann Surg, 1985 Jul, 202(1), 111 - 8 Serum-mediated depression of neutrophil chemiluminescence following blunt trauma; Lanser ME et al.; To investigate one possible mechanism responsible for decreased neutrophil bactericidal activity following trauma, the chemiluminescence response of normal neutrophils was measured following incubation in nonseptic and septic serum from 19 blunt trauma patients . Incubation of normal neutrophils in septic patients' sera (61 studies) resulted in a marked decrease in the chemiluminescence response (36 +/- 26% of control), compared to incubation in nonseptic sera (92 studies, 80 +/- 53% of control; p less than 0.005) . This difference between nonseptic and septic serum was apparent immediately after injury, prior to the development of sepsis (47 +/- 4% versus 77 +/- 12%; p less than 0.05) . The depression of the CL response was due to a suppressive factor present in septic patients' sera . This factor was nondialyzable and was present in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fractions containing protein of molecular weight 50 to 100,000 . Removal of albumin using Affigel-blue did not remove the suppressive factor . In contrast to the suppressive effect of septic trauma serum, septic patients' neutrophils had a normal chemiluminescence response after their isolation and washing . We conclude that trauma results in the generation of a serum factor that suppresses neutrophil chemiluminescence and that is present in greater amounts in patients who eventually become septic . This factor may be responsible for the decreased bactericidal activity and depressed host defense following injury. Surgery, 1985 Jul, 98(1), 25 - 9 Inhibition of povidone-iodine's bactericidal activity by common organic substances: an experimental study; Zamora JL et al.; An in vitro study demonstrated that some organic substances commonly present in the surgical field inhibit the bactericidal activity of dilute povidone-iodine solutions . The degree of inhibition was inversely proportional to the concentration of the povidone-iodine solutions and it was greatest by blood, followed by pus, fat, and glove powder . The pattern of bacterial kill was virtually identical for all the strains tested . The most likely explanation for this phenomenon is that iodine is bound by the organic substances, decreasing the iodine available for bacterial kill . To obtain an optimal benefit, we suggest eliminating these substances from the operative site or wound when possible before the use of povidone-iodine solution. Ann Acad Med Singapore, 1985 Jul, 14(3), 508 - 14 Tuberculosis chemotherapy today; Dutt AK et al.; Effective chemotherapy of tuberculosis not only reduces morbidity and mortality, but it is a powerful mechanism to control further spread of infection . Although conventional therapy for 18-24 months is highly effective, a major disadvantage is non-compliance of patients in completing the full course of therapy . With better understanding of bacteriologic action of many antituberculous drugs, the disease can now be cured in six to nine months of bactericidal chemotherapy . Isoniazid and rifampin for nine months, either given daily throughout or initially for one month followed by twice weekly administration for another eight months, is highly effective for cure of the disease . However, this is not recommended for patients in developing countries due to high frequency of initial isoniazid resistance . Bactericidal therapy with four drugs (streptomycin or ethambutol (25 mg/kg), isoniazid, rifampin and pyrazinamide) daily for two months followed by isoniazid and rifampin daily or twice weekly for another four months is very effective . In suspected or proved isoniazid resistance, the therapy has also proven effective . However, therapy may also be changed during the continuation phase to streptomycin, rifampin and pyrazinamide daily or twice weekly for another four to six months . The treatment of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, alone or when associated with other medical disorders, is the same as for pulmonary tuberculosis . There are several short course regimens available for use in developing countries while keeping in consideration the shortage of major drugs and financial constraints . Modern short course chemotherapy has the potential advantage of success in developing countries by increasing the population of patients completing therapy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Jpn J Antibiot, 1985 Jul, 38(7), 1761 - 8 Protection by glucose and derivatives against the lethal toxicity of mitomycin C in bacteria; Nagamatsu T et al.; Agents capable of preventing the toxicity of mitomycin C (MMC) were investigated by a cytotoxicity assay utilizing the E . coli strain WP2 uvrA, a strain sensitive to the bactericidal action of MMC . Of various compounds, mixtures, and rat tissue extracts assayed, the solution of liver extracts and yeast extracts and DULBECCO's modified EAGLE's medium (DMEM) exhibited potent activity in protecting the cells against the MMC toxicity . A further analysis of the individual components of DMEM revealed that glucose is the active principle responsible for the protection seen with DMEM . A similar protection has been observed with the use of mannose, mannitol, 2-deoxyglucose, D-glucuronic acid, glucosamine, and N-acetylglucosamine of 16 sugar derivatives tested . The protection by glucose was specific to treatment of cells with MMC but not with UV-irradiation, cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II), 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide, or furylfuramide . Unlike the bacterial cells, there was no protective response in the mammalian cells in culture and in mice, given a lethal dose of MMC, concurrently with glucose or each derivative . The possible mechanisms involved in this prevention of MMC toxicity by glucose are discussed. J Antimicrob Chemother, 1985 Jul, 16(1), 61 - 5 The activity of imipenem on Legionella pneumophila, with a note on the treatment of two cases; Farrell ID et al.; An in-vitro assessment of the activity of imipenem, a new carbapenem beta-lactam antibiotic, was undertaken on isolates of Legionella pneumophila . The minimum inhibitory concentrations of imipenem were in the range 0.03 to 0.25 mg/l and turbidimetric studies showed that imipenem had a marked bactericidal effect which was more pronounced than that seen with either rifampicin or erythromycin . Two patients with legionella pneumonia were successfully treated with imipenem as part of a clinical trial of the drug. Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1985 Jul, 100(7), 53 - 5 {Comparison of the oxygen absorption processes during phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leukocytes from conventional and specific-pathogen-free C57BL/6 strain mice}; Larina LL et al.; Oxygen consumption was compared during phagocytosis of killed S . aureus by peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PNL) from conventional mice and C57BL/6 mice free of pathogenic agents . The rate of oxygen consumption by PNL during phagocytosis was 3 times higher in conventional mice than in C57BL/6 mice free of pathogenic agents . The latter mice can be used as a suitable model for studying diverse effects on the most important component of the bactericidal mechanism of PNL. Infect Immun, 1985 Jul, 49(1), 238 - 43 Effect of estrogen (17 beta-estradiol) on the susceptibility of mice to disseminated gonococcal infection; Kita E et al.; Studies of the effect of sex hormones on the susceptibility of mice to the disseminated gonococcal infection demonstrated significantly enhanced susceptibility of mice injected with estrogen (17 beta-estradiol) . In mice treated with estradiol, bacteremia progressively developed within 12 h postinoculation and mice died within the next 6 h, whereas bacteremia in mice treated with progesterone was completely cleared within 3 h postinoculation . The administration of estradiol affected the function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) responsible for eliminating gonococci, but the administration of progesterone did not . The bactericidal activity of PMN mediated by myeloperoxidase was affected by estradiol, but the capacity of PMN to release superoxide anion was not . Furthermore, peritoneal cell analysis demonstrated that the infiltration of PMN in the peritoneal cavity of estradiol-treated mice significantly decreased when mice were injected intraperitoneally with gonococci . These effects on PMN by estradiol may play an important role in the enhanced susceptibility of estradiol-treated mice to gonococcal infection. Biochem Pharmacol, 1985 Jun 15, 34(12), 2083 - 90 Inhibition of neutrophil function by hydrogen peroxide . Effect of SH-group-containing compounds; Rajkovic IA et al.; Stimulated neutrophils generate appreciable amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) which may be responsible for auto-oxidative injury and damage to adjacent cells . In the present study we describe inhibitory effects of H2O2 on neutrophil phagocytosis, bactericidal activity and associated metabolic processes as well as the effect of non-protein SH-compounds on H2O2-treated cells . Preincubation of neutrophils with low concentrations of H2O2 (1 mumoles/5 X 10(6) cell) results in delayed phagocytosis of Escherichia coli, which returns to normal levels in the later stages of incubation, while the activity of the HMPS and the production of O-2 and H2O2 remain unaffected . Bactericidal activity of the cells was more sensitive to peroxide treatment and even at low concentrations H2O2 induced some inhibition (12.2%) of neutrophils' capacity to kill E . coli . Increasing the concentrations of H2O2 in the preincubation mixtures resulted in a progressive decline in the neutrophils phagocytic and killing capacity for E . coli and was accompanied by inhibition of HMPS activity and the release of granule enzymes but not of O-2 or H2O2 . The H2O2/O-2 molar ratio of peroxide-treated cells was elevated by up to 26.7% and this was followed closely by the reduction in the intracellular levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) . Incubation of H2O2-treated neutrophils with all five SH-compounds used in the study resulted in the improvement of the phagocytic capacity of the cells . Improvement of the bactericidal capacity and degranulation responses of H2O2-treated neutrophils was achieved by incubation with cysteine, penicillamine, alpha-MPG and MMPC but not GSH . Stimulus-dependent H2O2 production by H2O2-treated cells, the H2O2/O-2 molar ratio and the intracellular levels of GSH remained unaltered after treatment with SH-compounds . The data shows that SH-compounds, in addition to their antiinflammatory properties, also have the ability to reverse the oxidant-induced inhibition of neutrophil function, a property of potential therapeutic significance. Infect Immun, 1985 Jun, 48(3), 759 - 62 Inhibition of serum bactericidal reaction by lipopolysaccharide; Sansano M Jr et al.; An Rc-mutant of Escherichia coli that lacks UDPgalactose 4-epimerase grows normally without galactose but makes lipopolysaccharide lacking most of its carbohydrate . Exogenous galactose overrides the mutation and results in the formation of a complete lipopolysaccharide, thereby producing a smooth phenocopy . The smooth phenocopy was much more resistant to the bactericidal activity of normal human serum than was the rough phenotype . More complement was utilized by the rough mutant in the bactericidal process than by the smooth phenocopy . An antiserum was prepared in rabbits to a specific outer membrane protein in the mutant bacterium, the lambda receptor, whose expression could be suppressed by the addition of 10 mM maltose . The effect of the O-antigen in the lipopolysaccharide produced by the smooth phenocopy on the binding of antibody to the lambda receptor was determined . The smooth phenocopy exhibited significantly less binding of antibody than did the rough phenocopy . In addition, expression of the lambda receptor had little effect on the binding of antibody to the lambda receptor in the smooth phenocopy but caused significantly increased binding in the rough mutant . The results suggest that the increased resistance to the lethal action of normal human serum shown by the smooth phenocopy may be due to the blocking of antibody binding sites by the O-antigen of lipopolysaccharide, thereby preventing activation of the classical pathway of complement. Eur J Clin Invest, 1985 Jun, 15(3), 138 - 40 Bactericidal activity of ascitic fluid in patients with nephrotic syndrome; Akalin HE et al.; Patients with nephrotic syndrome are unusually susceptible to infections, including primary peritonitis . In this study, we have evaluated nine adult patients with nephrotic syndrome and ascites for ascitic fluid bactericidal activity, complement and immunoglobulin concentrations . Eight of nine patients had diminished ascitic fluid bactericidal activity while twelve control peritoneal fluids had normal bactericidal activity . Complement (C3 and C4) and immunoglobulin (IgG and IgM) concentrations were significantly lower in nephrotic syndrome ascitic fluid than peritoneal fluid from normal subjects . These findings may explain the high occurrence rate of primary peritonitis in nephrotic patients with ascites. Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1985 Jun, 181(1-2), 71 - 80 Bactericidal effects of photochemical smog constituents produced by a flow reactor . III . Communication: determination of mutagenic effects of photochemical smog on E . coli K 12 343/113; Nover H et al.; The multipurpose strain E . coli K12 343/113 allows the simultaneous detection of different DNA alterations such as base-pair changes, frameshifts and deletions . The investigations show the detection of mutagenic potency in the mixture which is called photochemical smog, produced by a flow reactor . Responsible for these effects were ozone and hydrocarbon-radicals, but not NOx, hydrocarbons (propene, isobutene, trans-2-butene) and peroxiacetylnitrate (PAN) . In the given conditions these mutagenic substances are involved in DNA alterations like base-pair changes and deletions due to the amounts of colonies in the gal+-, MTR-, and arg+-system . No frameshifts could be detected in the nad+-system. Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1985 Jun, 181(1-2), 121 - 31 Cleaning and disinfection of knives in the meat industry; Snijders JM et al.; The effect of disinfection of knives with water of 82 degrees C (180 degrees F) strongly depends on the amounts of protein and fat present on the tools . When fats or proteins are absent, even a high bacterial contamination on a stainless steel plate will be completely eliminated by immersion in water of 82 degrees C during 1 s, whereas even after 10 s immersion does not give satisfactory results if a high degree of fat and protein contamination is present . By adding lactic acid to hot water the bactericidal effect may be improved, although the results are far from optimal . Apparently, optimal disinfection of contaminated knives is extremely difficult to attain without the use of mechanical forces such as a high pressure water jet to remove the dirt . Therefore a special disinfection unit was designed in which apart from the factors cleaning time and temperature, the effects of mechanical forces could be determined . By increasing water pressure the cleaning effect was improved . Adding lactic acid to the spraying water made it possible to lower water temperature and water pressure, which, among other things, resulted in a lower climatological strain at the place of work . The thermodisinfector (a modified dish-washer) appear to be a good alternative for cleaning and disinfection of tools if the requirement is dropped that every worker had to have a disinfection facility within his immediate reach . The practical application of such equipment is discussed. J Anim Sci, 1985 Jun, 60(6), 1500 - 7 Mineral X disease interactions; Miller ER; The ability of animals to cope with infection may be influenced by mineral nutrition, in particular Mg and P of the macroelements and Zn, Fe, Cu and Se of the trace elements . Deficiencies of Zn, Fe, Cu and Se have resulted in a lowered resistance to disease either through an impaired immune response or faulty leukocyte function . The role of Se in bactericidal action of the phagocytes is associated with oxidative functions believed important for killing phagocytized bacteria . The role of these and other essential elements in disease prevention is an important area of animal nutrition research. Infect Immun, 1985 Jun, 48(3), 652 - 7 Inhibitory effect of estradiol-17 beta and progesterone on bactericidal activity in uteri of rabbits infected with Escherichia coli; Matsuda H et al.; The influence of ovarian hormones at different estrous stages on the bactericidal activity of the uterus in rabbits was investigated . When Escherichia coli cells were inoculated in ligated uteri, the survival period of the bacteria in the uterus at the luteal phase was clearly longer than that at the follicular phase . At the luteal phase, high levels of plasma estradiol-17 beta and progesterone were detected . A luteolytic treatment with prostaglandin F2 alpha and human chorionic gonadotropin at the luteal phase lowered plasma progesterone levels and prompted bacterial clearance from the uterus . In ovariectomized rabbits, E . coli from the uterine exudates was not detected 6 days after the inoculation in both the nontreated and estradiol-17 beta-treated animals . In the progesterone-treated rabbits, the survival period of E . coli was longer than that in the nontreated and estradiol-17 beta-treated animals . When estradiol-17 beta and progesterone at the ratio of 1:100 were administered concurrently, E . coli survived for the longest period in the rabbits treated with various doses of different hormones . Formalin-killed E . coli cells were inoculated into the uterine lumen, and 4 h later the proportion of heterophils phagocytizing the bacteria dropped in the progesterone-treated rabbits and in the estradiol-17 beta- and progesterone-treated rabbits, but there was no significant difference in heterophil numbers among the rabbits treated with different hormones . The present results suggest that progesterone inhibits the bactericidal activity of the uterus and that estrogen concurrently secreted at the luteal phase promotes the inhibitory action of progesterone, although estrogen alone hardly affects the uterine defense . In addition, the lowering of the bactericidal activity of the uterus at the luteal phase may be attributable to lower activity of phagocytosis by heterophils infiltrated into the uterine lumen. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med, 1985 Jun, 179(2), 254 - 8 Elimination of mycoplasma contaminants from cell cultures with animal serum; Nair CN; Repeated treatment with guinea pig or rabbit serum, but not with human serum, was found to eliminate mycoplasma contaminants from mammalian cell cultures as judged by staining with the fluorescent dye Hoechst 33258 . Following treatment with rabbit serum and several passages, M . hyorhinis could not be detected by staining, isolation on agar, or specific immunofluorescence in a human prostate carcinoma cell line heavily contaminated with this organism . There was no evidence for the involvement of antimycoplasma antibodies in the bactericidal activity of rabbit serum . Mycoplasmacidal activity of rabbit serum was associated with a heat-labile component(s) which could be inactivated by incubation of the serum with goat antirabbit complement component C3. Blood, 1985 Jun, 65(6), 1382 - 90 Abnormal adherence-related functions of neutrophils, monocytes, and Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cells in a patient with C3bi receptor deficiency; Buescher ES et al.; We evaluated a 3-year-old female patient with leukocytosis, recurrent infections, severe periodontal disease, and a history of delayed separation of the umbilical stump . This patient's polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) had normal membrane depolarization responses, normal oxygen metabolism, normal granule secretion responses, normal bactericidal activity, and normal C3b rosetting . However, by fluorescent cell analysis and C3bi rosetting, it was determined that her cells lacked the C3bi receptor . In addition, the patient's PMNs showed markedly abnormal chemotaxis, adherence, and aggregation responses, and partial abnormalities were detected in PMN spreading and phagocytosis . Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that the subject's neutrophil cytoplasts were missing a 180,000-dalton moiety . Her monocytes also had defective chemotaxis and failed to adhere and grow normally in culture . Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cells from the patient lacked an aggregation response to phorbol myristate acetate . Laboratory and clinical evaluations of this patient's mother showed no abnormalities . These studies demonstrate that C3bi receptor deficiency can be associated with functional abnormalities in multiple myeloid cells and that the absence of C3bi receptor is associated with abnormal adherence-related functions of these cells. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1985 May, (5), 76 - 8 {Assessment of peripheral blood monocyte function in pulmonary tuberculosis patients}; Shatrov VA et al.; As the result of the study of the peripheral blood monocyte function in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, the ingestive capacity of monocytes has been found to be suppressed, which indicates the pathological state of oxygen-dependent mechanisms governing the bactericidal activity of cells, the most pronounced disturbances of monocyte functions being observed in patients with fibrous-cavernous and disseminated tuberculosis. Pediatr Infect Dis, 1985 May-Jun, 4(3), 309 - 14 Infection in the immunocompromised host; Steele RW; The largest numbers of immunocompromised pediatric patients are neonates and children who are managed in intensive care units . Therapeutic principles that apply to the classic neutropenic cancer patient are also relevant for these categories; maximum doses of bactericidal antibiotics given for longer periods should be used . Pediatricians should also be acquainted with those unusual infectious processes associated with specific immune deficits so that appropriate empiric therapy is selected . A protocol for managing the neutropenic patient with fever is discussed. J Infect Dis, 1985 May, 151(5), 859 - 68 The induction of meningeal inflammation by components of the pneumococcal cell wall; Tuomanen E et al.; Pneumococcal cell wall induces meningeal inflammation in rabbits injected intracisternally with greater than 10(5) cell equivalents . Both of the major cell wall components, teichoic acid and peptidoglycan, contribute to this inflammatory activity although responses differ depending on the chemical nature, size, and complexity of these fractions . Challenge with teichoic acid (membrane or wall associated) results in greater inflammation at 5 hr than at 24 hr . Degraded teichoic acid is inactive . In contrast, the inflammation caused by whole cell wall or high-molecular-weight peptidoglycan-containing fractions increases in intensity from 5 to 24 hr . Peptidoglycan fractions lose activity at 24 hr when hydrolyzed to disaccharide-stem peptide moieties . Generation of free cell wall components in cerebrospinal fluid as, for example, during treatment with antibiotics that are bacteriolytic as well as bactericidal, could contribute to increased inflammation in the subarachnoid space. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd, 1985 May, 133(5), 284 - 90 {Progressive-septic granulomatosis: improved prognosis with early diagnosis and targeted therapy . Report of 5 cases}; Kremens B et al.; The clinical and laboratory findings in chronic granulomatous disease are illustrated by five case reports . Biochemical studies of the neutrophil bactericidal defect have revealed several molecular forms of the disease . Specific therapeutic action is nowadays possible, after early diagnosis of the condition by nitroblue-tetrazolium test and chemiluminescence . Infections are treated using antibiotics and antimycotics which penetrate well into granulocytes; additional surgical intervention or granulocyte transfusion may be necessary . Prolonged infection-free periods are achieved under prophylactic sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim therapy, promising an improved prognostic outlook for patients with chronic granulomatous disease. J Infect Dis, 1985 May, 151(5), 878 - 82 Development of bactericidal antibody during Branhamella catarrhalis infection; Chapman AJ Jr et al